Damian Rae 2006 Syrah

September 22, 2008 | by Lorrie LeBeaux | Reds, Tasting Notes

Before I provide this wine review to all the Oenophiles who are online, looking for a new bottle to try; I have to say something about one of the owners of Damian Rae Winery.

I met John D. Tarabini through an email on my computer. I opened the email, and could feel his warmth and sincerity at a glance. So, I asked him if he would provide me a bottle of his wine to review, and without hesitation he asked for my address. Well, he provided wine information and a brochure showing him and his lovely wife. I thought if the magic of their smiles was captured in their bottle of Syrah, I was in for a surprise! He sent me an email to decant for 30 minutes. I gave it a little more time, about 45 minutes to about 1 hour, and the magic began.

This wine is a deep plum color, with a dark fruit and floral nose (violets). The wine taste of dark fruit, meatiness, a hint of lead, and a smooth, long, balanced dark chocolate and spicy finish.

I paired this wine with a Porterhouse steak that was marinated in Stubbs Beef Marinade, grilled and finished with a sage compound butter and drizzled with French Olive oil. The sides were oven baked red potatoes, cubed, roughly tossed in French Olive oil with sea salt, black pepper and minced garlic. A grape tomato and romaine lettuce rounded out the meal.

The wine paired beautifully with this meal! Try the wine, with or without a meal; you will not be disappointed!

Lorrie LeBeaux writes Life’s Little Luxuries Newsletter @ lifeslittleluxuriesnewsletters.com