Issue XXX: Sixth Sense Syrah Edition

 Michael David Sixth Sense Syrah

Syrah, as noted in here frequently, is one of my very favorite grapes in a wine, though Petite Syrah (quite different) is one of my least, though that is perhaps because I have not yet moved into the idea of storing the wine. I admire the density of taste, the mouth feel and most of all, the rich flavor, though it never seems to me clunky ala the Cabs. At some point, perhaps when the HSC reaches 50, I will go back through and do some statistics (another enjoyable pastime of mine) and see which varietal shows up most often. I fully expect that blends will show up in there the most, but with the introduction of Syrahs, my wine consumption has certainly taken a turn and developed since I first started drinking wine regularly.

As to this particular wine, it is another fine example of the huge power-packed punch that Syrah can provide, all while maintaining its characteristic smoothness. This is a rich wine, with quite a lot of staying power, but all the while, it remains quite drinkable. It actually is a blend itself, with a degree of Petite Syrah and Petite Verdot, though those are mainly for grace notes. The real star is the Syrah, which here has notes of berry and some other darker tones.

It is also slightly higher in alcohol, so it does better with more air time. I like about half an hour to start, with the subsequent refills being gorgeous and velvety, but you can reduce that time, if you can’t wait and this delicious and succulent wine is difficult to back-burner, but it’s well worth it, if you can.

I’ve never seen this on SPA and at $17, it approaches the upper edge of cost, but it is a fantastic enough wine that I know I can always rely on it. For that reason, I’d say it’s more of a Mixed than Standard.

Issue XXIX: Sean Minor Sauvignon Blanc Edition

Sean Minor Sauvignon Blanc

This is somewhat of a rarity; of the three wines I’ve tried from this vineyard, I’ve liked all three tremendously, so much that they all have made the list. This entry is sort of a surprise as I really wasn’t looking to add another white to the stable, having found, more or less what I want, in the pair of French Chardonnays that we keep on hand for cooking, but that was to my detriment as it became clear, from the first sip of this, that I’d been truly missing out. It’s one of those times when the liquor store being out of the wine you’re after provides an opportunity to discover a hidden gem, which this one truly is.

This one is light, lively and a bit reminiscent, to me, of the sweeter side of perhaps a sake or mead, but not to the extent of a white Zin. It does have a bit of fruit, but it does have also a touch of that harsh cutting edge that we come to know and expect from whites. Still, that aspect is a bit lower on the scale and this overall is smooth and very refreshing. Chardonnays are capable of overpowering certain dishes, but this one definitely doesn’t stand much chance there, imparting a very nice flavor element to things, but losing most of the fruitiness and not impacting dishes to an excessive extent. It embellishes remarkably well. Frankly, this is simply a brilliant wine, combining the best of both drinkability and lending itself well to cooking. I quite enjoy it so much that this might be my new go-to for keeping a white on hand.

Whites are not rated by the usual criteria as reds, but for right around $10 a bottle, this is simply a stunning value. Overall, it is my current favorite white and yet another feather of the very deserving hat of the Sean Minor winery.