Wine Review: White Oak 2006 Napa Valley Syrah

This wine has a deep garnet color. The nose has aromas of dark fruit primarily cranberries and dark plums, along with hints of coffee, cocoa and a faint herbal note. The palate mirrors the nose with an addition of white pepper. The tannins are well integrated giving the wine structure and balance. The mouth feel is smooth and the finish is long with those dark fruit flavors and a lingering of white pepper.

 I paired this wine with Cypress Grove Chevre Purple Haze goat cheese and Town House Flatbread crisp, the Sea Salt and Olive Oil variety. I think the lavender and fennel pollen that coats the fresh got cheese made this an unusual , but perfect pairing. Maybe those slight herbal notes in the wine married with the herbal coating of the goat cheese. In addition, I paired this wine with my no cook pairing of cream cheese with Tabasco Brand Red Pepper Jelly spread on those flat bread crackers. The pepper notes in the wine and the sweetness and pepper of the jelly, complemented the fruit of the wine.

I would also pair this wine burgers, especially burgers stuffed with a pat of sage compound butter or a rib eye off the grill with a pat of sage compound butter. Syrah and sage are one of my favorite wine and herb pairing suggestions. I would also pair this wine with a rack of lamb in a Syrah Balsamic Vinegar Reduction Sauce. Note:  This wine was a sample provided by White Oak Vineyard & Winery http://www.whiteoakwinery.com SRP $26.00