A variety of styles are produced in BC, the best, however, seem to involve a significant time in new French oak - a practice that many modern Rhone Valley producers are following as well.
$20 and below:
This offering from Cassini is far from complex, but satisfies the palate admirably with classic Shiraz flavours. Good value. Where to buy: Direct from winery, private and VQA stores.
$30 and below:
A solid follow-up to the excellent 2007 vintage which may not be quite as impressive in its youth, but possesses the same fortitude to deliver, over time, similar concentrated and brooding dark cherry, spicy pepper, toasted oak and licorice characters as its predecessor. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
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A blend of co-fermented 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier, produced from fruit from grown in Osoyoos and Penticton, resulting in a bold and adventurous Syrah that is approachable in its youth yet will hold nicely over the next 3-4 years with its integrated tannins and mouth-watering acidity. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
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The concentrated fruit aromas and flavours give the impression of sweetness on the intense nose and dry palate, masking any hotness from the alcohol. Where to buy: Direct from winery and private wine shops.
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This is a serious Syrah, dark and brooding, with a good expression of terroir and spicy pepper notes. Oak treatment enhances the nose and palate without overshadowing the fruit characters. Where to buy: Direct from winery.
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Dark cherry is prominent on the nose and dry palate. Pepper spice is present but plays a supporting role in this Syrah, mostly showing in the long and balanced finish. Where to buy: Direct from winery and private wine shops.
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The palate is dry with good tannins and natural acidity - just the right amount of bite. Juicy flavours of dark fruit, vanilla, leather and toasted oak with a chalky, smoky texture. The finish is moderate and balanced with lingering pepper spice. Where to buy: Direct from winery
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$40 and below:
With good continuity from the complex nose to the dry palate, the flavour profile oozes brooding, dark cherry and black berry fruits with savoury flavours of spice box, licorice, scorched earth and toasted oak. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
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Winner of the 2009 "Red Wine of the Year" award from Wine Access Magazine. Produced from fruit grown in the Phantom Creek Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
Lovely new world Shiraz with big fruit flavours but never over-done or jammy. 2007 vintage has already been released. Where to buy: Direct from winery, BCLDB and VQA stores.
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This is the second vintage of Syrah released from Skaha Bench producer Painted Rock Estate Winery and it takes a turn from the terroir-driven 2007 vintage towards a more oak-driven wine with the 2008 version. Where to buy: Direct from winery, private wine shops and VQA stores.
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Above $40:
This Syrah, from 3-4 year old vines, has 4% Viognier added during fermentation, in the form of pressed grape skins, to lift the aromatic qualities of the nose. Dark cherry, black pepper oil, oak and a touch of cola represent decent complexity in this inaugural vintage. Where to buy: Direct from winery and VQA stores.
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The new "Équinoxe" line of wines replaces the "Reserve" level as the top-tier wines for Le Vieux Pin. The winery selected 3 barrels as the best of the best for their 2008 Syrah and deemed it worthy of the Équinoxe name. Only 70 cases have been produced and no release date is yet listed but expect a fall 2011 launch. Where to buy: Direct from winery
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