Filed in archive Wine Tasting by tammy on October 24, 2006

It is still pretty darn hot down here in South Florida, too hot. Normally around this time of year is when we get the occasional cold spell, but if it doesn't shoot to much above the 80s lately, we are lucky.

Watching just a little (and I mean a little because I am not a big baseball fan) of the World Series the other night reminded me that, duh, it is actually cold in some parts of the world right now. It is actually fall!

Until I have to drag out a sweater, I'm not totally convinced of this yet, but for those who are already wearing coats, that also means they are drinker hardier wines like Syrah.

Here's more from Red leaves outside mean hearty reds inside:

"I like big, hearty syrah from California during this time of year," says John Louis Kronfeld of Star Wines and Liquors. "It takes the brisk qualities out of the air somehow. With a robust character and big fruit, they never disappoint those looking for power in relation to price."

Kronfeld likes the 2004 Clos Mimi Petit Rousse Syrah Paso Robles ($19.99), a small-production syrah.

"It has a complex nose of cracked black pepper, leather, black cherry jam and roasted figs. Chewy and rich on the palate, it finishes with a pure flavor of currants and a moderate amount of tannin."

If you worked particularly hard, splurge on the 2004 Plumpjack Syrah Napa Valley ($45.99), "an astonishing syrah," Kronfeld says, "While cabernet garners most of Napa's attention, syrah like this is causing people to take notice."

The wine, Kronfeld says, boasts, "an overwhelming nose of wild berry jam highlighted by blueberry pie filling with notes of perfumed oak.

"It is intense, with clean, delineated flavors and vibrant acidity that carry the wild berry flavors thought the finish. The tannins are soft and the good acid fruit integration keeps it from tasting sweet," he says.

He also suggests the 2002 Edna Valley Syrah, Central Coast ($9.99), an "entry-level syrah (which) still shows off plenty of berry jam notes as well as notes of white pepper. With soft tannins and low acidity, it offers the best match for raking leaves, or a midafternoon snack of cured meats and cheese."