2008 Willow Springs California Syrah

About This Wine

Willow Springs has produced a delicious California take on a historic French variety.

Syrah is most closely associated with the Northern Rhone appellations of Hermitage and Cote-Rotie, where French vintners produce wines of phenomenal elegance and longevity. It’s a very flexible variety and can make elegant and restrained wines, as well as wines bursting with fruit and oak, in locations as diverse as France, South Africa, Australia and California.

The first records of Syrah in the U.S. show it arriving in California in 1878, but it remained scarce until the late 20th century, with only 1,200 tons harvested in 1992. As Golden State winemakers recognized its potential, the acreage increased nearly a hundredfold in 10 years, with the roughly 18,000 acres of Syrah in 2005.

The 2008 Willow Springs Syrah, which includes small amounts of other red varieties in its blend, is a spicy and fruitful wine that provides plenty of drinking satisfaction.

About Syrah

Very dark, rich, powerful wines with great aging potential (as long as 50 years), yet still can be drunk relatively young. Distinct pepper, spice, cherry and leather flavors, with smooth, supple texture. Embodied in majestic wines from France, Australia and, increasingly, California.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:A Blend of Syrah and Other Red Varieties
• Grape Source:Select Vineyards in Various California Growing Regions
• Aromas & Flavors:Cherry, Currant, Cedar, Chocolate & Black Pepper
• When to Drink:Now Through Mid-2012
• Food Pairing Suggestionbarbecued fare, beef stew, or lamb chops.

Member Ratings

Recipes.

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  Mustard Crusted Rack Of Lamb Try this tasty recipe, which serves 4 or more, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or a red blend containing any of the aforementioned varieties... Get The Recipe
  

  Turkey Empanadas These tasty turnovers or hot pockets match well with Syrah, Italian red wines, or white wines that have not been over-exposed to oak. This recipe makes 10 empanadas. Get The Recipe
  

  Butternut Squash Soup From Executive Chef Linda Kittler of Sonoma County's Valley of the Moon Winery comes this delicious recipe that pairs perfectly with Syrah/Shiraz, as well as various red blends. It serves 10. Get The Recipe
  

  Pork Chops With Blueberry Sauce This recipe makes 4 servings, and matches wonderfully with Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Merlot and red blends... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
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  Sausage Jambalaya This recipe makes a great meal, especially on a cold day. Try it with Syrah, Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon. And if you'd like to save a few fat grams, substitute turkey sausage for the beef. This recipe makes 8 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Beef Rib Eye With Sweet Onion Topping This dish pairs beautifully with Syrah (a.k.a. Shiraz), as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and red blends. This recipe makes 4 servings Get The Recipe
  

  Moroccan Lamb Tangine Try this tasty recipe, which makes 6 servings, with Shiraz or a red blend. MOROCCAN LAMB TANGINE Ingredients... Get The Recipe
  

  Garden Tomato Pasta With Wine And Basil Try this tasty recipe with either featured red wine selection with Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel or red blends. It makes 8 servings. Get The Recipe
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  Butternut & Bacon Risotto This versatile dish matches well with Syrah or Sauvignon Blanc, and this recipe makes 6 main course servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Pork Tenderloin With Tart Cherry Port And Caraway Sauce This delicious recipe from Sonoma County's J. Fritz Winery matches beautifully with almost any red wine. It makes 4 to 6 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Balsamic Maple Glazed Salmon Try this recipe, which makes 4 servings, with Pinot Noir or Syrah. Get The Recipe
  

  Broccoli Sweet Onion And Pecan Salad A flavorful salad that matches with both white and red wines - particularly Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Shiraz - this recipe makes 6 servings as a side dish, or about 3 as a main dish. Get The Recipe
  

  Garlic Grilled Chicken The following recipe, which serves 4, transforms a classic white wine dish -chicken - into a perfect partner for red wines such as Merlot and Syrah. The secret? The generous use of garlic. Get The Recipe
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  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe
  

  Boneless Leg Of Lamb This recipe, developed by the late James Beard, matches beautifully with Shiraz (a.k.a. Syrah), Shiraz/Cabernet blends and Merlot. It serves 6-8... Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Duck A La Orange Just in case this year's California wildfires impart a smoky flavor to vintage 2008 wines, here's a recipe that will match up nicely. Otherwise, try this dish - developed by Garre Winery Executive Chef Ty Turner -- with naturally smoky wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Noir or Syrah. Get The Recipe
  

  Roast Rack Of Pork With Carmelized Maple Onions During a recent visit to Spago restaurant in Chicago, a member of the ACWC Tasting Panel enjoyed this fabulous dish with a glass of Syrah. We're happy to share the recipe with you, courtesy of Spago-Chicago's chef. It serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Tomato Pesto Pasta A wonderful match with Cabernet Sauvignon, this recipe helps bring out the fruitful quality of the wine. It also matches nicely with other red wines, and serves 4. Get The Recipe