2010 La Forge Estate Vin de Pays d’Oc, France Syrah

About This Wine

Some wines are subtle.

Some wines are anything but. The 2010 Vin de Pays d’Oc Syrah from La Forge Estate falls into the latter category. This is a big bruiser of a wine, with aromas and flavors that are best described as “intense.”

It begins with the aroma, which is all about French “terroir.” Some might use the word “barnyardy” to describe it — a common term when talking about French wines. At La Forge Estate, the preference is to craft wines that are snapshots of the vintage, and the 2010 growing season produced that aroma in the finished wines — an aroma that quickly dissipates with exposure to air.

In the mouth, the wine shows off its structure — it’s a full-bodied, take-no-prisoners “bruiser,” as one member of our tasting panel put it. That style calls for grilled meats or hard cheeses as food companions. A “big” wine such as this requires an equally “big” culinary companion.

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:100% Syrah
• Grape Source:Languedoc Growing Region of France
• Aromas & Flavors:Black Cherry, Chocolate Oak and Intense Terroir
• Aging Vessels:American Oak Barrels (20% First Use) for 6 Months
• When to Drink:Now Through 2014
• Food Pairing Suggestiongrilled meats, or hard cheeses.

Member Ratings

Recipes.

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  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
  

  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
  

  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
  

  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
  

  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
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  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
  

  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
  

  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
  

  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
  

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

  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
  

  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
  

  Butternut & Bacon Risotto This versatile dish matches well with Syrah or Sauvignon Blanc, and this recipe makes 6 main course servings... Get The Recipe
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  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
  

  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
  

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

  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