This wine's understated label suggest confidence that word of mouth about this wine will drive sales. There is no need for a flashy or clever label to attract buyers.
I think this confidence is well placed in this very fine Syrah, I'd call it Shiraz, from Damian Rae Winery in St. Helene, Santa Barbara County, California.
You know I believe that food and wine are an essential duo. So what wine is right for a simple late evening turkey sandwich with some Comte cheese and Pistacchio nuts after a long day at work? This brilliant wine turned a simple dinner into a spectacular event.
I think John and Sharol Tarabini, the founders of Damian Rae Vineyards, may have had just such a meal in mind. Coming from the corporate world and no doubt having worked many long days, I am sure they would appreciate how much I enjoyed their wine with such a simple dinner.
Granted it was a sandwich of fine fresh maple roasted turkey, on an excellent seeded whole wheat bakery-made bread, topped with a perfect French Dijon mustard and a little Hellman's. So good.
That is not to say that I am not already dreaming of sipping this wine with some grilled baby lamb chops and other Australian inspired dishes like this dinner, Australian Dinner At Home, which brings me to my opinion that this is a "Shiraz" not a Syrah. The grape is essentially the same, it is a matter of style.
Unlike the stayed Syrahs from France and other places that produce Syrah in the French style, this wine is lively and voluptious like the lovely Shirazs I find from Mclaren Vale or Margret River, Australia.
There is just so much abundant flavor, wild cherry, plum, quince, woody nut and subtle sumptuous green moss. There are enticing aromas on the nose and a wide open airy mouth feel.
Damian Rae wines are handcrafted and available in limited quantities. The grapes are sourced from White Hawk an impressive Santa Barbara vineyard with yields that are minuscule producing grapes that are intense.
It is John and Sharol mission to produce wines that are "Worlds away from the mass-produced wine products found on supermarket shelves, the boutique offerings that are Damian Rae are uniquely different, and perhaps reflective of their driving personalities. They have married the best practices of their business experiences with an uncompromising passion for quality winemaking. That powerful combination of complex forces has lead to something very simple: first-class wines." I think they have accomplished their mission with this wine, I look forward to trying their other creations.
You won't find this boutique wine in New Jersey so order from AmericanWinery.com or from the winery DamianRae.com
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
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