*** Chez Ray Stage Gulch Vineyard Syrah, Petaluma, Sonoma CA, 2007 – Homemade Wine Tasting & Review

Posted by Ben in 2007, General, Other, sonoma, syrahJun 6th, 2010 | No Comments Original Tasting and Review:   


By way of background: Stage Gulch Vineyard Syrah from Petaluma, Sonoma CA for the 2007 vintage was made from frozen grapes procured from Brehm Vineyards, as code number 527 - 07SGS.  For my collection, the finished wine is called SG7P, because it was fermented with Pasteur yeast.  Here is the approach used to winemaking for this selection. 

In the glass: Stage Gulch Vineyard Syrah 2007 shows as medium deep velvet red in the glass, opaque at the center. 

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, this Sonoma syrah brings an intriguing charcoal-broiled steak aroma forward, with plums and a touch of oak mixed in. 

On the palate: The first elements on the palate are a sweet, almost light red middle, buckled up with some charry oak.  A meatiness moves to your cheeks, and alcohols come on towards the end, allowing the balanced light acids and underlying tannins to peek through.

In summary: Overall, a full experience in a nicely darkened aromatic package.  Rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale. 


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*** Chez Ray 2005 Late Harvest White Blend – Review

Posted by Ben in 2007, General, Other, late harvestOct 23rd, 2009 | No Comments The 2005 Chez Ray Late Harvest Blend consists of Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, late harvested, acquired from Brehm Vineyards from vineyards in the Columbia Gorge area of Washington State (coded 05LHUM and LH57). They were fermented with Cote des Blancs yeast, and aged with a small toasted oak sleeve.

In the glass, this shows as light yellow with gold highlights. Aromas are metallic and oily - you've just stepped into my mechanics garage on a night when he's spinning disco tunes!

On the palate, a bright sweet middle starfruit is the first note. It is followed by acids that drive the sweetness up into your cheeks. The finish comes slowly, slowly, slowly as the acids eventually allow the crisp fruit to fade from your cheeks. Three stars on the Spirit of Wine scale.