Wine Wednesday - 2009 Tenuta Vineyards Black Mamba Lite Late Harvest Syrah

For those who have been to Tenuta Vineyards, you'll know what I'm talking about. For those who haven't, you should and below is a list of why... with no explanation, you'll just have to try it out for yourselves.

• Rich, the host
• Butters, the cat
• They play good rock music mostly, but can play anything.
• FFL
• Reasonable prices for great wine

Tenuta is a great place to bring lunch and enjoy the 10 for $10 tasting deal, or 5 for $5. Basically a $1 a taste, you cannot beat that and pours are healthy.

Today's wine is the 2009 Tenuta Vineyards Black Mamba Lite Late Harvest Syrah. It is the Syrah used in their Syrah Port but without the brandy fortification. It is amazing.

2009 Tenuta Vineyards Black Mamba Late Harvest Syrah, Livermore Valley

The Black Mamba Lite is a deep purple that is pretty much black, with a full-body and long legs.

The nose starts with dark berries and some pepper with a hint of some other earthly tones.

The taste was ripe with blackberries and pepper, with a slight flavor of cloves. The rich sweetness is there without being overbearing. High acidity and tannins make this a strong Syrah that was great to enjoy over a long evening.

The second day saw more berries and dark fruit come through. The wine opened up to a bold flavor that was different after just opening but wonderful it its own way. It is hard to determine at which point was the prime time to imbibe as it was good at each point.

Overall, a fantastic red if you like these sort of things. The cost is reasonable for the quality and boldness of the taste and I would gladly pick up a few bottles of these to have on hand for a nice cut of beef or even to pair with dessert, I'm thinking a nice peach-blackberry pie.

Cost: $32