By Lenn Thompson, Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Typically, syrah grown on Long Island ends up bottled with "syrah" on the label, staying true to the grape original name in Franc.
This North Fork rose from Russell (and Susan) Hearn's new label, SURU, uses the name "shiraz" instead, which only makes sense given the fact that Russell hails from Australia.
It's not just shiraz though, it's a blend of 84% shiraz, 7% cabernet franc, 6% riesling, 2% chardonnay and 1% petit verdot.
That large shiraz component definitely makes it stand out among Long Island roses.
Medium-dark pink in the glass, the nose offers ripe red berry aromas accented by citrus and white pepper spice notes.
Bolder and more full bodied than many local roses, it fills the mouth with fruity flavors of red cherry, strawberry, red apple, melon and nice black pepper spice notes. As it warms to room temperature, there is a subtle honeydew note that emerges.
The acidity is good, but not especially lively.
Producer: SURU
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
ABV: 13%
Price: $15*
Rating:
(2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)