2006 O'Shaughnessy Syrah

The 2006 Syrah is several clicks below the quality of their Bordeaux varietals, but it is still a soft, round, black fruit-scented and flavored wine with medium body and silky tannins. There are about 345 cases of this wine, which has a hint of roasted meat as well. Drink it over the next few years. A I said last year, this relatively new producer is off to a flying start. Winemaker Sean Capiaux (who has his own Pinot Noir operation) seems to be doing some stunning work with this 35-acre vineyard, planted with 29 acres of Cabernet and the rest other Bordeaux varietals. There is also a small cuvee (under 1,000 cases) of Cabernet Sauvignon from Mt. Veeder. Tasting through some barrel samples of 2006 showed this to be a very fine vintage, if not up to the level of 2005 and 2004, at least at this stage in their development. (Not yet released) Tel. (707) 965-2898; Fax (707) 965-3010