Category Archives: Shiraz / Syrah

Discover New Grapes: A Global Wine Adventure

Recently I had the opportunity to introduce 20 lovely people to 9 different grapes from 5 different countries, in 3 different sparkling wines, and 2 still ones. I am not a fan of boring wines, nor of showing people what … Continue reading

Posted in Austria, British Columbia, Cava, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Lambrusco, Lebanon, Macabeu, Macabeu/Viura, OTHER, Parellada, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Spain, Sparkling Wine, WHITE, Xarel-lo | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Meeting a 5th Generation Vigneron in Meursault, France – Domaine Millot-Bernard

In August 2025, I took a ten day solo trip to Burgundy during the harvest.  A year prior, I’d made a friend who connected me with his family.  I returned during harvest to experience as much as was possible in … Continue reading

Posted in Aligote, Burgundy, Chardonnay, France, Gamay, OTHER, Pinot Noir, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Charity fundraising tasting

During Cov*d, I offered a wine tasting with paired hors d’oeuvres to a local Rotary Club fundraiser for the Victoria Hospice Society in the memory of my father-in-law, Ken, who spent his last days there. Of course, because of Cov*d, … Continue reading

Posted in cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, California, France, Grenache / Garnacha, Italy, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Petite Sirah, Plavac Mali, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Zinfandel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache, Gérard Bertrand, Côte des Roses, Languedoc AOP, France, 2020, 13.5% abv. US$15

One of the things I like to do most when in the US is to shop in the liquor section in Costco.  Usually that just serves to get me really riled up though – because I become overwhelmingly jealous at … Continue reading

Posted in Cinsault, France, Grenache / Garnacha, ROSE, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cactus Red and White Blends, Desert Hills Estate Winery, Oliver, BC, Okanagan Valley VQA, 2020

I don’t know about you, but I am always on the lookout for red and white wines that are not going to break my bank, but that meet all – or at least most – of my criteria.  That includes … Continue reading

Posted in British Columbia, Cabernet Franc, cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, RED, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz / Syrah, Viognier, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Syrah, CC Jentsch Cellars, Oliver, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 2013, 13.8% abv, C$30 (2013 vintage tasted October, 2015, 2015 vintage tasted May, 2021)

This BC wine was the winner in the Judgement of BC blind tasting held in August, 2015 in Vancouver. Now, this was no small feat – 12 BC wines (Chardonnay and Syrah) were cast against 12 benchmark Chardonnay and Syrah … Continue reading

Posted in British Columbia, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Syrah, William Dean, Three Boys Vineyard, Anthony Buchanan Wines, Oliver, BC, 13.6% abv., 2018

It’s just a guess, but this weekend may call for a socially distanced barbecue in celebration of Father’s Day and a few stellar humans.  If this is part of your Covid-19 celebratory plan, consider opening a bottle of this delicious … Continue reading

Posted in British Columbia, OTHER, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Sabor a Mí, Major Ursa Estate Winery, Black Sage Bench, Oliver, BC, 2017, 14% abv. C$35

Who remembers Eydie Gormé and her love and husband of decades, Steve Lawrence?  I actually do. If you don’t know who she is, you must take a moment to listen to this 1964 recording of her singing Sabor a Mí … Continue reading

Posted in British Columbia, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Amelia (Syrah – Viognier), Daydreamer Wines, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, BC, 13.5% abv., 2017, C$35

This plush 90% Syrah, 10% Viognier is a treat!  Master of Wine Marcus Ansems has produced a delicious Naramata Bench version of this northern Rhône classic. In the traditional homeland of Syrah, many winemakers co-ferment the grape with 5-10% Viognier … Continue reading

Posted in BC, British Columbia, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Viognier | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Syrah, Ramey Wine Cellars, Sonoma Coast AVA, California, 2013, 14.5% abv (US$59)

Four years ago this month, I graduated with the WSET Diploma – a credential anyone who works in wine and spirits will know is that difficult.  Drinking lots of interesting things to support my wine studies and habit has never … Continue reading

Posted in California, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Viognier | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment