The three-and four-year-old estate Syrah vines at LD3 Ranch Vineyard produced about 50 cases of this Syrah, all aged in 100% new French oak. This is very terroir-driven wine, perhaps more so than the "Cohete" (which has about 15% of this Syrah in it).

After opening up in the glass a bit, the nose reveals scents of leather, sourdough and pan toasted herbes de Provence-or, as simplified by the back label, Texas Hill Country "garrigue." Elegant in its expression, there's an oily yet somewhat "pinot" feel in the mouth (as the case with some of the Michel Ogier Cote-Roties from the mid-late 80's and early 90's).  Of all our reds from the 2004 vintage, this is probably the least ready to drink.  We think it will continue to improve in the bottle, especially given its commendable natural acidity.

Suggested presentation: Our estate Syrah goes wonderfully with game fowl, venison, lamb or  pizza. Try it also with a good sheep cheese from the Basque region of Southwest France or a Manchego from Spain with some dry sausage or a "Pannini Provençale" (grilled red peppers, shaved fennel, garlic, olives, artichoke hearts, goat cheese and herbes de Provence). Medium or large bowl shaped glasses show the wine well, though a "Bordeaux" shaped glass is suitable as well.  As with our other reds, serve it just a little above "cellar temperature" (62 degrees F).

La Rosa 2005 | Cohete Rojo | Cohete Rojo "Prestige"  Pétard Blanc 2005 | Troubadour