Pyrenees Vineyards & Cellar (www.pyreneesvineyard.com/) is located in Southern Oregon in the land of 100 Valleys, and the famed Umpqua Valley Wine District. This winery is the only one of the many excellent wineries located in the region that is actually on the famous Umpqua River, and in fact now has two beautiful locations on the Umpqua River, one in Roseburg and one south of town just of the I-5 in Myrtle Creek.
The Apodaca family has developed a selection of fine wines bringing to you distinction of quality and flavor of world class production. Pyrenees wines showcase the influence of Northern Spain and the beautiful Basque Country of their family heritage. The rich flavor from soils here in the Umpqua Valley reflects the great wines produced in their home country. After a swirl and a sip, close your eyes and find yourself drifting to Northern Spain with beautiful guitar music, the scent of summer flowers, and the love of life engulfing your spirit.
Today we will be reviewing Pyrenees Vineyards 2007 Reserve Syrah. Many produce Syrah, but few can attain the spirit of the grape that this bottle will bring to your palate. Tipping the dark bottle with a beautifully designed artistic label towards your glass, as the first wine flows you immediately catch a scent of the fruit and spice within. This region of Southern Oregon mirrors the Rhone Region of France with a climate that provides the special ripeness of the syrah grape to produce the awesome flavors found here, at Pyrenees.
As you take your first sip the deep richness of fruit, spice and black pepper lead to the layers of plum, black cherry, pomegranate and a wisp of cloves. The length will surprise and please, leading anticipation of the sip and flavors yet to be experienced. With very mild tannins and silky pleasures, this wine will please not only the experienced wine connoisseur but also those wishing to expand their taste buds.
If you are ever lucky enough to visit Southern Oregon and the many outstanding wineries, you should plan a visit to either of the Pyrenees Vineyards Tasting Rooms. Choose to sit on either of their riverside decks to relax and savor a glass of one of their award winning wines. Their delightful staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and presents their wines with the authority they deserve.
Here’s a terrific pairing for this wine from Pyrenees Vineyard & Cellar
Rack of Lamb
Marinade:
1/2 cup Pyrenees Syrah
1/4 cup pomegranate concentrate
1/4 cup of good balsamic vinegar
2 Tbs soy sauce.
2 Tbs chopped fresh mint
3 cloves minced garlic
1 Tbs Dijon mustard
Salt
Pepper
Rack of Lamb
Mix ingredients together and marinate lamb for 4-6 hours in refrigerator. Bring to room temp before roasting about 45 minutes out of refrigerator. Roast in 400 degree oven for 35-40 minutes meat thermometer should read 120- 125 degrees for rare and 125-130 for medium rare. Remember lamb will continue to cook after removed from oven. Cover lamb with aluminum foil and let rest for 10-15 minutes. Cut into chops and serve with any remaining pan juices. Great served with garlic mashed potatoes.
A Word About Syrah
This grape continues to be the main grape of the northern Rhone region and is associated with many prestigious, classic wines. This is one that will age for decades, but can still be enjoyed young. Syrah is one of the top 10 planted world-wide.
Top producing regions:
Rhone
Typical Aromas and Flavors:
Blackberry, Violets, Chocolate, Espresso and Black Pepper
Additional Suggested Pairings:
Barbeque, Steak, Stews, Game and Pork
