I absolutely love the surprise of visiting a winery that is new to me, in an unexpected location, that makes excellent wine at fair prices. Who wouldn’t, right? Visiting Bass Lake near the southern gate to Yosemite National Park, I happened upon Idle Hour Winery and owner/winemaker Anna Marie dos Remedios. She and partner Deb Payne operate the winery, kitchen and inn on the site of a former disabled elder care facility in the town of Oakhurst. Anna Marie was born in Hong Kong (the winery name comes from the name of her Grandfather’s Chinese Junk that she sailed on as a child) and learned winemaking from renowned Calera winemaker Josh Jensen. This Syrah is very complex, showing blackberry, blueberry, pepper, stony mineral and floral notes. It’s very rich, with food friendly acidity and a long well integrated finish. Contains 4% Viognier.
Idle Hour Winery, Madera County (California) Syrah 2010
By Rich Cook