2005 Clos LaChance Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French) "Estate"

Winery: Clos LaChance

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Estate"

Wine Category: Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French)

Grape blend: 100% Syrah

Region: Central Coast

State or country: CA

Price: $35

Cases produced: 510

KWG Score: 89.5 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89.99-87)

Review date: April 23, 2008

Wine Review: Some wines just love a little air and when they get it they just blossom. This wine is one of those wines. This very dark purple wine opens with a ripe blackberry like bouquet with hints of mushrooms and spice. On the palate, this medium to full bodied wine is smooth, well balanced, and shows full flavored juicy black cherry flavors with notes of spice. However, on day two the wine evolves with less spice and adds some really tasty blueberry flavors that emerge. The finish is quite dry with very lengthy moderate tannins that linger for quite some time. In the short run this wine is quite nice on its own or would pair nicely with sharp cheddar cheeses. Long term or well decanted it would be a nice choice for steak. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: Smoky aromas of plums, cocoa and an underlying “meaty” flavor. Plums and dried cherry fruits dominate the palate, with hints of bittersweet chocolate and molé. A smooth velvety, long finish.

Organic status: not organic