SANTA YNEZ, CALIF., May 2008 —

"Syrah has become another Holy Grail grape variety. It keeps refining and redefining itself," noted Joe Spellman, MS, Chairman of the Court of Master Sommeliers, American Chapter who led guests in panel discussions and technical tastings. Seven wineries presented their views, philosophies and wines including: David Hopkins of Bridlewood Estate Winery (Santa Ynez), Eric Mohseni of Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards (Los Olivos), Steve Beckmen of Beckmen Vineyards (Los Olivos), Sashi Moorman of Stolpman Vineyards (Lompoc), Sam Spencer of Spencer Roloson Winery (St. Helena), Bill Easton of Domaine de la Terre Rouge (Fiddletown) and John Freeman of Waterbrook Winery (Walla Walla, WA).

WORLD STAGE

Syrah (or Shiraz) has deep roots across the globe with plantings in France, Australia and America leading the charge. Traditionally, French producers have held the pole position on preferred style, however given the same price point, symposium attendees preferred U.S. producers with France (42%) and Australia (6%) following. More than 39% noted Syrah's "Discovery" as a principal appeal factor in the wine's upward mobility, noting the wine's wide range of styles, personalities and price points. Next to Pinot Noir, Syrah ranked as the most food friendly wine (42%), outpacing Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot.

If sales forecasts are any indicator, U.S. Syrah seems ready for its close up. Attendees were bullish on its future, with 45% forecasting a 6% to 10% increase in the next three years. Not a single vote was checked in the "decline" box. Garnering space on wine lists and consumer palates will require more consumer education (67%) and brand advertising (21%) however. Winemakers and key restaurateurs expressed dismay over the level of knowledge consumers have about "the other red," growing regions and even the dual name – Syrah and Shiraz. What wines will make way for Syrah's expansion on the wine list or store shelf? Nearly 43% noted Sangiovese may well get the ax followed by Merlot at 39%.

The buzz surrounding Syrah is reaching a critical pitch as well. On the scale, 70% of attendees ranked Syrah's buzz at 4 to 6 out of a possible 10 – a compelling factor given the flood of red wines on the market today. Comments included the richness of the varietal, classic qualities, recent recognition in the U.S. market and appeal to adventuresome new drinkers.

EVENT TIMELINE

The event kicked off Monday, April 21 with an alfresco dinner at Beckmen Vineyards in Los Olivos. Frank Ostini of Hitching Post II drove the barbeque, serving up a traditional Santa Ynez-style feast paired to seven distinct Syrahs from participating vintners. Spellmen set the stage the next day with a "State of the Grape" presentation followed by a morning panel on "Syrah in the Vineyard: Best Viticultural Practices" at Zaca Mesa Winery. The beautiful vineyard setting was upstaged by a technical tasting of components and finished wines to demonstrate how particular Syrah clones contribute to their final blends. Following lunch at Zaca Mesa, the Symposium moved to Bridlewood in the afternoon for a discussion and tasting on "The Infuence of Terroir" in the steel tank room. A grand tasting and gala dinner in the barrel room followed with participants tasting barrel samples of the 2005 Bridlewood Estates Winery Syrah Port.

Participation in the Syrah Symposium is by invitation only to the trade/media. For more information: www.syrahsymposium.com. California Table Wine, ©2007 Bridlewood Winery, Santa Ynez, CA. All rights reserved.

HISTORY

A relative newcomer to the California wine scene, Syrah gained popularity within the last decade with the state's wineries shipping 1.2 million cases in 2004. Syrah first appeared in California in the 1970s when it was planted by a group of viticulturists referred to as the "Rhone Rangers." Most of the substantial plantings occurred in the 1990s with San Luis Obispo County leading at 2,571 acres of planted grapes followed by Sonoma County (1,886 acres) and San Joaquin County (1,956 acres). Monterey County and Santa Barbara County also have substantial plantings. In 2005, Syrah accounted for nearly four percent (4%) of the state's total winegrape crush* with 147,312 tons.

* California Agricultural Statistics Service (2005).