***+ Chez Ray Stage Gulch Vineyard Syrah, Petaluma, Sonoma CA, 2007 - Homemade Wine Tasting & Review

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By way of background: Stage Gulch Vineyard Syrah from Petaluma, Sonoma CA for the 2007 vintage was made from frozen grapes procured from Brehm Vineyards, as code number 527 - 07SGS.  For my collection, the finished wine is called SG7P, because it was fermented with Pasteur yeast.  Here is the approach used to winemaking for this selection. 

Original Tasting and Review,  April, 2010:   


In the glass: Stage Gulch Vineyard Syrah 2007 shows as medium deep velvet red in the glass, opaque at the center. 

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, this Sonoma syrah brings an intriguing charcoal-broiled steak aroma forward, with plums and a touch of oak mixed in. 

On the palate: The first elements on the palate are a sweet, almost light red middle, buckled up with some charry oak.  A meatiness moves to your cheeks, and alcohols come on towards the end, allowing the balanced light acids and underlying tannins to peek through.

In summary: Overall, a full experience in a nicely darkened aromatic package.  Rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.
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Updated review almost a year later, April, 2011:  With long decant, color is consistent.  Aromas are meaty and swampy dark fruit.  Lightly charcoal-broiled black fruit comes to your palate, with peaks of red berries and depths of black cocoa.  Gains a plus for its compelling layers, even if slightly disjointed.
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Updated review, another four months later, now four years from vintage date, August, 2011:  Cleaner, red fruit nose.  The palate has come together as well, showing clean red berry fruit, some oak, and a nice glycerin mouthfeel, even though it finishes squeaky clean. 


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