Canihan Family Wines 2006 Exuberance Syrah

An Organic American Syrah
Canihan Family Wines
2006 Exuberance Syrah
California

The Canihan family has been practicing organic farming on their estate in California's Sonoma Valley since 1975. But it wasn’t until 1998 that the Canihans planted their property with vineyards. The varietals they selected were Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. Canihan's first vintage of Syrah, harvested in 2004, won Best Syrah/Shiraz at the esteemed San Francisco International Wine Competition. The winery has continued to stack up accolades for their handcrafted, estate-grown wines ever since. The 2006 Exuberance lives up to the awards bestowed on the Syrah's first release. The wine offers refreshing elegance for an American Syrah. Although it measures 13.7% alcohol—a level we've come to think of as reasonable for Syrah—the alcohol isn't perceptible on the nose or palate. Aromas and flavors are of ripe blueberries, raspberries and currants with underlying earthy notes including anise, cedar and black pepper. The wine also offers fine tannins and surprisingly youthful freshness. Try it with elegant dishes like an herb-crusted rack of lamb, artisan cheddar and jack cheeses or seared venison with a berry sauce.

Rating: 15/20
Price: $40

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For more information, visit www.canihanwines.com