Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/646914
march 2016 / the tasting panel / 55 This year, it's not Shiraz. It's Syrah! In a stunning defeat to home-court advantage, Australia, and the five other top New World nations in winemaking today – United States, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa – a small family-run winery from what once was a big logging community in Southern Oregon has taken the title of Best Syrah of the New World. Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards, a 8,000 case/year Estate Vineyard and Winery in Roseburg, OR, was awarded the Trophy for its 2012 Syrah Masada Bloc, making it the highest-ranked Syrah in this year's 6 Nations Wine Challenge. Facing off against what judges selected as the best wines in the New World, Reustle not only claimed the top award for its 2012 Syrah, but also scored again tying for third place for its 2012 Syrah Reserve. "is is the only competition in the world where the wines are individually invited by the judges and then all judged together as the best of the best in the New World of wine," said Judith Kennedy, President of 6 Nations Wine Challenge. Each of the six international judges could select up to 100 wines across 17 categories, to represent their country. "Because the wines are all selected by each of the judges the standard of wine quality must surely be higher than any competition of this size in the world," said New Zealand Master of Wine Bob Campbell. Even though Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards has amassed over 460 medals, awards and titles over the past seven years, Reustle says: "is award is by far our highest achievement. SDG" US Judge Dan Berger lists Oregon's Umpqua Valley among other great cool climate regions for Syrah: New Zealand, Northern Victoria, and Northern Rhone. "Reustle has shown exemplary consistency in a cool climate style, and it has been obvious from the start that Stephen has a very special place for Syrah (and other cool climate varieties)." Oregon's Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyards WINS BEST SYRAH OF THE NEW WORLD Stephen M. Reustle (left) accepting the Trophy Award for best Syrah from Huon Hooke in Sydney, Australia. In a stunning defeat to home-court advantage, In a stunning defeat to home-court advantage, Australia, and the five other top New World Australia, and the five other top New World nations in winemaking today – United nations in winemaking today – United States, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, States, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa – a small family-run and South Africa – a small family-run winery from what once was a big logging winery from what once was a big logging community in Southern Oregon has taken community in Southern Oregon has taken the title of Best Syrah of the New World. the title of Best Syrah of the New World. Each of the six international judges Each of the six international judges could select up to 100 wines across 17 could select up to 100 wines across 17 categories, to represent their country. categories, to represent their country. "Because the wines are all selected by "Because the wines are all selected by each of the judges the standard of wine each of the judges the standard of wine quality must surely be higher than quality must surely be higher than any competition of this size in any competition of this size in the world," said New Zealand the world," said New Zealand Rock Vineyards has amassed Rock Vineyards has amassed over 460 medals, awards and over 460 medals, awards and titles over the past seven years, titles over the past seven years, Reustle says: "is award is by far Reustle says: "is award is by far our highest achievement. SDG" our highest achievement. SDG" US Judge Dan Berger lists Oregon's US Judge Dan Berger lists Oregon's Umpqua Valley among other great Umpqua Valley among other great cool climate regions for Syrah: New cool climate regions for Syrah: New Zealand, Northern Victoria, and Zealand, Northern Victoria, and Northern Rhone. "Reustle has Northern Rhone. "Reustle has Stephen M. Reustle (right) with Edel Everling owner/winemaker of Johanneshof Cellars in Marlborough, NZ and her partner. Wild Thing Co-founder of Gordon Biersch Brewing Co., Brewmaster Dan Gordon wanted to develop a cider that followed the same approach as the beers he made: pure and natural. The result, Wildcide Hard Cider, is made from Fuji, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious and Red Delicious apples grown in Oregon's Hood River Valley. While consuming this beverage, Gordon's philosophy shines through—the liquid over- flows authentic apple notes, which dance beside a healthy serving of carbonation and a dry finish. AURUM CIDER COMPANY A couple of tasty new choices from Lindemans Brewery. Razzle Dazzle and Basil Released last month, Lindemans SpontanBasil Lambic—a col- laboration with the beloved Danish brewer Mikkeller— begins with a batch of one-to-two-year-old lambic and fresh whole basil leaves; it finishes with bottle conditioning, adding medium carbonation to the beverage. Herbal notes hit the nose off the bat with citrus, mint and a bit of sourness joining in upon tasting. The basil doesn't overpower, but rather weaves in seamlessly to this unique offering. A Bowl of Cheies Although this kriek has been brewed since 1961, Lindemans Oude Kriek Cuvée René only made its debut on U.S. soil last month. A wave of cherry aroma greets you, along with hints of earthiness from the brettanomy- ces. The strong sourness of the beer plays perfectly against the sweetness of the cherries, but doesn't leave your lips puckered for long. BEER CORNER Lambic ale made with basil CONTENTS 750 mL (1 PT. 9.4 FL. OZ.) LINDEMANS BREWERY - PRODUCT OF VLEZENBEEK, BELGIUM