Connoisseur's Guide:  Rated as Fine example of a type or style of wine. Without notable flaws.  "Once again, Chalone has delivered a ripe, rich, focused Syrah of good intensity and insistently fruity credentials. It focuses first on concentrated blackberry aromas and flavors that are backed up by evident but never pushy oak. Tannins are well held in check, and the wine comes across as fairly open to start and firmer in the latter palate and finish. It will age a bit if offered the chance but does not demand it." Jan 2009

Winery:  "The Chalone Vineyard 2005 Syrah is a beguiling wine, with ripe blackberry aromas and intense flavors of black fruit and chocolate. This is a full-bodied wine, with a smooth texture and light acidity. Ten months aging in French oak added sweet vanilla notes and firmed up the naturally soft tannins. A touch of Grenache adds complexity and lifts the aromas. The depth of fruit and complexity of our Syrah make it a perfect partner for robust foods such as seared duck breast, peppery beef daube or herb-crusted rack of lamb."

Wired For Wine:  Once again, Chalone delivers intense, opulent character and superb balance. The beautiful combination of black fruit, soft tannins, and the right amount of oak and acidity in this Chalone Estate Syrah will take you on a delicious journey culminating in a lovely, intense finish.  It is a terrific choice to have on hand as you're dusting off you grill after a long winter...  Pour your first glass and serve it with tiny sliders of pulled pork on toasted buns with sesame slaw inside.  De-lish.  This gorgeous ruby wine will show off a variety of meats ranging from beef, to lamb, sausage, venison, and finally tuna.   Do you love barbecue?  If so, then this is your Syrah...  We love the evident oak of this Chalone with Asian barbecued short or spare ribs.  Make sure there's plenty of ginger, soy and sesame oil.  This Estate Syrah also pairs fabulously with grilled lamb sausage and lentils.  The ripe fruit in this California Syrah  is made to accompany grilled or roast duck with a cherry chutney.  If you're interested in a less meaty choice, grilled tuna with a piquant tomato conserve is another alternative.   If you've got room, open another bottle and have a piece of Torta del Casar, a sheep's milk cheese from Spain. It's wonderfully creamy with a rich, intense and flavorful taste that's a little smoky.   You're going to love this smooth operator winelovers!

Size:  750ml
Varietal: 97% Syrah, 3% Grenache
Alcohol:  14.5%
Ageing:   10 months in French oak
Region:  Monterey County, California