Hooray for low alcohol Syrah! Navarro has long been one of my favorite producers, turning out one stellar wine after another and keeping their prices reasonable across the board. This Syrah has everything I love about the variety — blackberry, blueberry, white pepper, tar and cedar spice — delivered in a lively medium bodied package that begs for roasted duck with lots of herbs and spices. Stock up on this one before the hunting season opener.
Navarro Vineyards, Mendocino (California) Syrah 2011
By Rich Cook