"2006 Tallulah Del Rio Vineyard Syrah Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon - from a vineyard managed by Oregon's quickly emerging champion of Rhone varietals, Rob Wallace of Del Rio Vineyard. Rob Wallace, a fourth generation farmer from the Sacramento region was recruited to run the Del Rio Vineyard in 1999. Since then he has consistently produced fruit of the highest caliber, attracting several renowned wineries to the vineyard. Wallace’s superior growing practices have garnered national recognition for this previously under-appreciated region. These impressively complex grapes are shared among a number of Oregon’s best producers: Rock Block from Domaine Serene, Ken Wright, Bethel Heights and Penner-Ash.
Robert Parker gave 90 points: “An elegant, French-styled effort, it reveals subtle notes of crushed pepper, smoke, and restrained raspberry as well as blueberry characteristics. This dark plum-hued Syrah is built on elegance and restraint offered in a medium-bodied, decidedly European style. However, there is no shortage of flavor, and the wine has plenty of punch. It should drink nicely for 5-6 years.”
Only 396 cases produced
Tasting Notes : Layers upon layers unfold in the expressive nose of this "chef's favorite." Black fruits, black cherry and raspberry combine with notes of rose petal and carbon, and savory characters of black olive, peppercorn, and beef tartare. Expansive on the palate, carbon and black fruits dominate, giving way to rich minerally tannins and a long and smooth finish for this well-balanced wine.
After 17 years of making wine for DeLoach, J Wine, Far Niente, and Luna, Mike Drash and his wife Tracy are going out on their own. The opportunity has arisen to purchase the Tallulah brand from a member of the Copain winemaking staff, John Raytek.. The name Tallulah is near and dear to our heart with our 3 year old daughter carrying the same name. Also, Tallulah Bankhead is a distant cousin on Mike's side of the family in Mississippi. With the 2009 harvest, Tallulah will continue on with a Rhone focus but also add some vineyards that Mike has excelled at in his career in the Napa Valley. The goal is to work with single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah and Marsanne from Organic and Sustainable vineyards in Napa and Sonoma. The winemaking will reflect a minimalist approach striving to nurture the wines instead of "making" them."
Technical Info:
14.7% Alcohol
6.3 g/L TA
3.93 pH
