Jaffurs Wine Cellars produces Rhône varietal wines – Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Viognier, and Roussanne. They produce about 3,500 cases a year. The first wine I ever had from Jaffurs was about 5 years ago. It was a bottle of Grenache that I still remember as being one of the best bottles of California Grenache I have had.

The 2001 Syrah exhibits dark cherry, violet, smoke, menthol and asphalt aromatics. On the palate, dark cherry, blackberry, dark fruit compote, tobacco with earth, cola and mineral notes. Tasting this blind, I might have pegged this as an Australian Shiraz — not over the top, but very ripe and hotter than I expected from the 14.2% alcohol listed on the label. I think those that like ripe and concentrated Syrah in a new world style would appreciate this. I certainly thought it showed some very nice characteristics, but it was a tad much for me — though I might have liked it more on a cold evening with a rich and hearty meal.