Naughty Syrah - Reynolds Family Vineyards

Every now and then, I like to blog a bit about a kick-ass wine that I get that's really hard to find. Being a professional has its benefits, namely in the form of free, hard to find vino.

So here she is, the 2003 Reynolds Family Vineyards "Naughty" Syrah, Napa Valley.

This is an intensely saturated syrah, with heavy, leathery fruit on the nose. Complex spices are present, but more apparent on the intense, long finish. The backbone of this Syrah is a firm, bright acidity that makes your mouth water.

I'm a sucker for Syrah. This one isn't from my favorite area, Washington, but has all of the characteristics that make Syrahs the great unsung wines of the west coast. Concentrated, complex, not too heavy or tannic on the palate with the ability to pair with tons of different foods. Naughty Syrah rocked with the soy-glazed tuna we made. 

The best part? Reynolds Family Vineyards only produces this for their wine maker buddies, and members of their wine club. 218 cases in '03, only 118 the year before. Luckily for me, one of my new suppliers has a wine club account. This would probably go for about $40-50 on the shelf, if you could find it, and $60-100 at a restaurant.  

Reynolds also makes a more widely distributed Napa wine, "Persistence" that is incredible.  

Don't let me mislead you, there's very little glamorous about being in the service industry, but this particular gig, like every gig, has its benefits. Juicy, delicious, rare benefits.