I don’t think I’ve ever had two varietals from the same vineyard that both exceeded my expectations, but in the last two weeks I have had two from Chalone Vineyards in Monterey County California that were excellent. It all started a few months ago when I invited some friends to my place for an Australian Shiraz showdown. We enjoyed a couple of them so much that it started a (semi sober) debate over whether a California Syrah could be as good as a Barossa Shiraz. So, I did what any good wine lover would do… I went out and bought a slew of Syrahs and launched my own informal investigation. Brilliant!

It wasn’t long before I stumbled upon the 2003 Chalone Vineyards Syrah… a wine I gave 4 stars in my wine log. Although this wine was at the upper limit of my “affordable wines” definition, I decided right away that I needed to get more. Much to my disbelief, the state wine store that I frequent (don’t get me started) sold out of it overnight. Fortunately I noticed a bottle of 2005 Chalone Pinot Noir on a nearby shelf. I didn’t actually hold out a lot of hope for this wine, mostly because my favorite Pinots were previously all from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. But, also because I wasn’t sure that a vineyard that made such a nice Syrah could also make a great Pinot. Well, I’m glad I risked the $12.99. Beacuse, for me, this was a major find. A five-star worthy Pinot Noir for under $15 — The stuff I live for.

My conclusions from all of this?

1. At least one California Syrah (and I suspect many others) can stand up to the best Aussie Shiraz I have tried.
2. A winery can exceed expectations in multiple varietals
3. I need to get some more of this Pinot Noir as soon as possible

I hope you enjoy these wines as much as I did.
-gs