Almost Too Funky for Me

Just a little bit!

I’ve been in the mood for a change these past couple weeks, and I’ve also had a bunch of wine orders and payments all come at the same time. So I dipped back down to the cellar and brought up 2017 Hector Wine Company Syrah, from the Finger Lakes.

Hector is on the east side of Seneca Lake, the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes. I had a great visit the last time I was there, and met the very lovely winery doggo Luna. (I was told she sold more wine than anybody else.) That depth keeps the water warm and modulates temperatures. Hector plants its syrah right by the edge to take advantage of the warmth.

Syrah grows well in a lot of different climates. In warm weather regions like Australia (where it’s called shiraz), it’s rich and fruity, while in cold weather region like upstate New York (lows in the -5 to -10 range? Yah, that counts) it’s less fruit bomby and more acidic.

The nose on this wine is seriously funky, but on the palate it’s earthy and foresty with a touch of blackberry. It’s got a lovely soft middle texture with neat edges. I definitely see this paired with some aged cheese.

I hope to have some new shipments to talk about with you soon (my credit card is shooting daggers at me as we speak)!