Narsai David Food & Wine Report: Jorian Hill And Stuhlmuller Wines

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)—The 2009 Jorian Hill Syrah from the Santa Ynez Valley is a rich wine with a lush garnet color. In this syrah you'll find bright berry aromas backed with a pleasingly complex touch of oak and leather. Raspberry jumps out on the palate with fine acidity and plenty of tannin.

All of the components are well balanced, so even with the bright fruit-forward flavor; this is a wine to age for a few years and is well worth it at $30 a bottle.

I've also tried the 2010 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. This one has an intense, deep rich red color, concentrated with aromas of ripe fruits like; currants, black cherries, and even black tea.

You'll find its rich taste to be marvelously earthy. And on the palate, even more of all those parts of the bouquet come together with a fine tannic backbone. It's a balanced wine with a good, long future. You could drink it now with a steak, but a few years of aging will pay off as a fine reward. At $39 it's a fine price. If you do age it, it could easily become a $75-100 wine.

Narsai David is the KCBS Food and Wine Editor. He has been a successful restaurateur, chef, TV host, and columnist in the Bay Area spanning four decades. You can hear him Saturdays at 10:53 a.m., 12:53 p.m. and 4:53 p.m., and at 2:53 a.m. Sunday on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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