C.G. Di Arie Syrah 2004

Another Amador County winery that has been producing some nice Zinfandels and Syrahs is the C.G. di Arie Winery. Overall, 2004 was a tough year for Amador County wines. However, one that managed to hold its own was the "Southern Exposure" Syrah. This medium to full bodied wine starts off with a blackberry and blueberry aroma followed by some pepper and then vanilla as you swirl it in the glass. Flavors are just as complex and intense with blackberry, cassis and plum on the initial taste, followed by some spices in the middle and ending with a hint of chocolate. There is some oak and round tannins with a very long finish. Decant this wine for 30 minutes. I would like to try other vintages of C.G. di Arie's Syrah, as well as his zinfandels. This would pair nicely with grilled meats, venison, stews or a goulash. The 2004 Syrah retails for $35-$40.

C.G. di Arie was founded by Chaim Gur-Arieh in 2000. He has an interesting background that leads to the wine busienss. Chaim was born in Istanbul, Turkey and immigrated to Israel during his teen years. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Israel, he enrolled at the University of Illinois where he received his masters and PhD in Food Sciences with a minor in chemical engineering. Upon graduation, he started working for Quaker Oats where his notoriety started when he developed the technology for Cap'n Crunch cereal. After a short stint at United Technology Center, he moved on to DelMonte Foods, where he developed numerous products including puddings-in-a-cup and shelf stable yogurts. At the age of 39, he and his wife purchased and developed the C.G. di Arie Winery. His last name, Gur-Arieh, means Lion's Cub in Hebrew. Thus the lions on the label holding an ancient wine press.