2005 McClean Vineyards Syrah Estate Private Reserve

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  3/14/2008, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (McClean SYRAH Reserve) Friday SPECIAL - Confidence Builder Dear Friends, Deal of the Year in California Syrah? It’s possible. Most of you know we rarely carry domestic wine and when we do there’s a good reason. We offered the Leo Steen a few days ago and now this - another early Deal of the Year contender and a wine that is reported to be as good as some $50+ versions of Syrah (or Shiraz for that matter). While I don’t have a lot of details on the wine, I found out about this on a tip from a California based wine writer that I know and he/she recommended I get this before others taste it. I'll have to wait to try it when it comes in but McClean’s 2003 Syrah Reserve was a breakthrough example in pro-consumer pricing and it reminded me of the 1990 Rosemount Shiraz back in its day - A $10 example that could stop the crowd in its tracks - any crowd. The $10 price-point has become $19.99 in the last 15 years but you get the point. California Syrah of high caliber just doesn’t exist at this price level and with the 2005 reported to be even better than the 2003, this was a very easy decision for me. When a winery isn’t bashful about their results (despite heaps of potential criticism from everyone under the sun if they don’t deliver) - it is a very good sign. They know what they have and (cheesy metaphors aside) they mean business - here is what the wine’s back label is going to say: “Eventually every winemaker recognizes he has crafted something very unique. This 2005 Syrah fits that category perfectly. When an everyday wine is not adequate for your guests, this wine will positively “wow” them. If you’re trying to impress your boss or having a romantic dinner for two, our Syrah is definitely a confidence builder.” A confidence builder. I like that. If you are sure about your own success, about your own place in the hierarchy, everything appears to be more coherent. A simple statement but a memorable one. This is a wine that is not very easy to find and it has become somewhat of an underground source. You can check prices, TN’s or other on the 2003 McClean Syrah but the 2005 will be approximately 10-15% higher in price than the 2003. This price appears to be a flat-out great tariff on this wine and (if it remotely delivers), it should be a party/gathering wine for many of you. I can only get this sub $20 price today so keep that in mind. I’m not sure what the price will be on re-order but my guess is $25-30 retail (or maybe higher - if I remember, the 2003 was $25-30). ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price with perfect provenance directly from the source: 2005 McClean Vineyards Syrah Reserve (Private Estate) Paso Robles (This is not McClean’s Farm, the regular Syrah or the Syrah Rose) STRICT LIMIT 12/person until we run out Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA CA7900