Vinous

• By Josh Raynolds
  March/April 2009, IWC Issue #143 (link)

  (Vina Casa Marin Syrah Miramar Vineyard San Antonio Valley) Subscribe to see review text.

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  8/6/2008 (link)

  (Casa Marin Syrah MIRAMAR) Syrah Dear Friends, This wine reminds me of the hype over Araujo Syrah circa 1994 or even the Tua Rita Syrah today. If you want to be the first (and possibly only) in the US to have access to something that will undoubtedly score highly on the critical scale, this rare wine is one of the tougher versions of Syrah to acquire - at last count only 50 cases were exported for the whole world. Due to your past support of the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, we have a small allocation but (like last night's FX Pichler), it's in bottles. Made in very small amounts, this is the dream wine of South American wonder-woman Maria Luz Marin, already famous for her acclaimed Casa Marin offerings (some of the highest scoring wines ever from Chile). The Syrah is her top wine, it is her pet project and labor of love and she is not taking it lightly - her goal is to produce the finest bottle of 100% Syrah south of the equator but this is not going to be easy - the last time I checked, Australia and South Africa are south of the equator as well so this is a fairly lofty goal. From an amazing vineyard site looking right down into the cooling waters of the Pacific, this wine is one of those all too difficult yin-yang examples that somehow bridges the gap between old and new world. While not shy on the cooperage (neither is Guigal), this wine is still Syrah through and through, almost akin to a 2003 Hermitage produced near the Andes (rather than something from South Australia). Due to limited quantities I should probably leave it at that. Expect interesting verbiage from the powers that be: From the winemaker: "Located in Miramar Vineyard, at the top of the hill facing the Ocean. Cold temperatures and early morning fog are very prevalent during winter and spring. Deep black cherry color. Complex aromas reminiscent of ripe red berries, spices as anise, white pepper and black licorice in harmony with mocha and toasty aromas. Well balanced palate with good structure and soft tannins. Pleasing with an agreeable finish." For more information on the area and Casa Marin in general, see this succinct essay on Robin Garr's Wine Lover's Page (no relation to us): on http://www.wineloverspage.com/italwineguide/chile06.phtml ONE SHIPMENT ONLY VERY RARE! 2005 Casa Marin Syrah "Miramar" (San Antonio) Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Chile2700