In 1999, Fäsi Crest earned a place on the winemaking map by being the first winery in
the San Joaquin Valley to create a technologically advanced yet certified organic
vineyard. The winery focuses solely on Syrah, grown along the banks of the San Joaquin
River, where the grapes can experience cooler nights than much of the Madera County
grape-growing region. The 2008 Syrah is a plush, crowd-pleasing kind of wine. On the
nose it offers blackberry and black currant, toasted oak and an underlying hint of mint.
This bright, sweet, open wine rolls across the palate with black currant, black cherry and
plum dominating the flavors. A slight toasty note enters the flavor profile toward the back
of the palate. In general, it is an extremely easy-drinking wine with the exception of a
slight alcohol burn at the back of the palate. With its rich fruit flavors, the wine works
well on its own. Or serve it with hearty grilled meat dishes, a tomato-based vegetable
stew or a slow-cooked roast.