Tom chose this Sainte-Croix Syrah-Merlot 2005, a French red blend for our Sunday evening. We have had an active day and feel quite entitled to a lovely cocktail hour! (We started our evening with a martini and have moved on to the pre-dinner wine.)
Immediately, I am aware that this is an old-world wine; nothing Australian “new world” about it! The color is a rich purple. On the nose is a bit of leather and spearmint. The palate is a subtle surprise (if you are used to more fruity new-world wines). The taste is oak and red fruit. It is light bodied and somewhat austere (relatively speaking). When you pull it all together, it is delightful. This combination of 50% merlot and 50% syrah is just what a red-wine lover would hope for. Delicious! This is a perfect Sunday-night wine.
I am heading to Indiana tomorrow for two separate meetings. One in Indianapolis and another in Lafayette. Tom and Trigger will be holding down the fort while I am gone — home on Thursday. I will miss everything when I am gone!
Tom: This Sainte-Croix Syrah-Merlot 2005 is dry and intense, with hints of dried fruit and leather. It’s from the Languedoc region of France, known for meaty wines. The spiciness of the syrah and the softness of the merlot make an interesting combination. This is an unusual and interesting French table wine and, from Trader Joe’s way, way under $10.
