2005 Shiraz Cuvée, Sonoma County-new release

78% Shiraz
  8% Cabernet Sauvignon
  7% Merlot
  4% Malbec
  3% Petit Verdot

Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape, Syrah from France and Shiraz from Australia. The California Syrah is made more in the Rhone style, with a grounded lower palate. The Australian style Shiraz is more fruit forward on the middle palate

The Merlot and the Malbec, even though they are small percentages, add a lot of nose and back palate fruit, making a huge impact on the blend. Both the nose and the initial taste evoke dark blackberries followed by rich chocolate decadence cake. The focus is from the center of the palate down, the opposite of the Merlot. The perfect pairing is grilled steak.
1,400 cases made.