Local group met Friday, with the theme of Syrah not from France, California, or Australia. Rob had ordered in assorted tacos, guacamole, sides, etc, Wines were blind
#1- mine so I wasn’t guessing, Fred got WA early. Good acids, distinct (pleasant) herbiness, very bright, my style of Syrah (thanks Jenise!) 2017 Gramercy Walla Walla B+
#2 - hot, alcoholic jammy mess, I guessed Chile. Fred and I headed to the sink, couple others soon followed. This is what I feared when I heard theme, 2017 Zarihs Shiraz by Borsao. C-
#3 - bigger and riper than the Gramercy but not the travesty of the Spanish wine, it’s “modern” but there’s some balance. Blackberries and blueberries, toasty oak. Back label says all Golan Heights, front confusingly also says Galilee. 2019 Gilgal (Golan Heights) B/B-
#4 -Midbodied, sweet fruit, nice length, peppery, one of the best of the night. I’m less likely to guess Morocco than Israel!. Made by Graillot. 2019 Syrocco B
#5- Very ripe, not much acid but tannin gives it some form, this is a bit much for me but not undrinkable like the Borsao. 2019 Montes Alpha C+/B-
#6- bright, a little prickly, fresh glou glou wine with a spicy edge. Berry berry fun. I got WA but didn’t get it was same producer as mine. 2018 Gramercy Lower East B+
Better night than I feared, and I always enjoy the company.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.