Chris and Sherry Hardie

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah 2007

By Chris and Sherry Hardie
There are lots of blends available that mix wines after they have been fermented, but some winemakers prefer the process of co-fermentation. That's when you start the wine-making process with juice from different grapes.
The results of co-fermentation are much different than blending. It's akin to adding the ingredients to a stew at the beginning and letting them simmer together rather than cooking them separately and mixing at the end.
This Washington State syrah includes 4 percent viognier and 1 percent grenache - similar to a French Rhone. The white grape viognier helps soften the syrah and brings more fruit to the flavor.
Sherry: "Peppery black currant and dark cherry with a floral finish." 3 stars
Chris: "Raisin notes, flavors of rich black cherry and hints of vanilla on the finish." 3 1/2 stars
Available locally for about $8.

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