Prior to the main events on Friday and Saturday, the winemakers conduct a Syrah Shootout. This is a head-to-head competition between winemakers, with winemakers/producers participating in a blind tasting to select the best three Syrahs in the lineup. The prize? Bragging rights until next year’s event…oh, and a plaid (some might say gauche) sportcoat called the Coat du Rhône, plus a pseudo-trophy of a small wooden barrel with a plaque.
The tasting included 50 bottles of various Syrahs, all bagged and numbered. Winemakers and producers were asked to taste through the wines, pick their top three and turn in their scoring to HdR personnel. This year’s winner was McCrea Cellars of Washington State, unseating two-time winner Jeff Cohen.
Join us for interviews including: Chris Cherry of Villa Creek, Susan Neel from McCrea Cellars, and a philosophical Jeff Cohen.
For More Information:
Chris Cherry, Villa Creek: www.villacreek.com
Susan Neel, McCrea Cellars: www.mccreacellars.com
Jeff Cohen, JC Cellars: www.jccellars.com
Jeff is also at Rosenblum Cellars: www.rosenblumcellars.com
Sign up now for the 2007 Hospice du Rhone: www.hospicedurhone.org
Sponsor: Centex Homes: www.centexhomes.com
Click Below to Play the Show:
(38:51 min 18 MB)
Part of the lineup of Syrahs
Paul Wilkins and Augie Hug register with Cris Cherry
How ’bout a beer first
Eric Mohseni (Zaca Mesa, Osseus) taking notes
Jay and Leigh interview event organizer, Carrisa Pereira
Host, Ron Rawlinson, keeps a hopeful Jeff Cohen in suspense
Well, you did a good job, Jeff. Better luck next time
Winner! McCrea Cellars’ Susan Neel, with the Coat du Rhone, and trophy barrel
Bob and Susan Neel of McCrea Cellars
Leigh and Brian interview a gracious Jeff Cohen
For the McCrea wine in the Syrah Shootout, what year and which of their vineyards (on their web site they have 3) was the winner?
The wine was a McCrea Cellars, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard bottling. As to vintage, I believe it was the 2004.