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Wine Recommendation

Miraflores Winery 2004 Syrah  (El Dorado County)

Miraflores Winery

2004 Syrah
(El Dorado County)



Miraflores Winery, completed in 2007, is the crown jewel of this 250 acre ranch south of Placerville in El Dorado County. Owners Victor and Cheryl Alvarez have planted a multitude of vineyard blocks over their undulating Sierra Foothills terrain, with elevations up to 2900 feet. 39 of the 250 acres are planted to vineyards. The rest of the land is occupied by sheep, chicken, ducks, cows, and other crops including lavender, olive trees, a fruit orchard, and a biodynamic vegetable garden. Well-known winemaker Marco Capelli, who made his name at Swanson Vineyards in Rutherford, and Saintsbury Winery in Carneros, oversees winemaking for the family here now, crafting Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Syrah, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon.

This Syrah is bright, opaque ruby and viscous. The nose is attention-grabbing, with vanilla, mulberry, blueberry, black truffle, cocoa, and molasses. A full, luscious, opulently fruity entry gives way to rich oak notes. While the tannins are well-integrated, the oak flavours seem to stand out on their own. This full-bodied, powerful wine would benefit from several months in the cellar, or from aeration prior to serving, and would be delicious with rich meat dishes.

Reviewed January 16, 2008 by Catherine Fallis.




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The Wine

Winery: Miraflores Winery
Vintage: 2004
Wine: Syrah
Appellation: El Dorado County
Grapes: Syrah / Shiraz (98%), Petite Sirah (2%)
Price: 750ml $30.00

Review Date: 1/16/2008

The Reviewer

Catherine Fallis

Founder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth.