2008 L'Ecole No. 41 Seven Hills Estate Walla Walla Syrah

Happy Memorial Day!  This is an interesting holiday, in that it marks a solemn remembrance of all those who have served and sacrificed to keep our nation free, but it also marks the first holiday of the summer, as the weather gets nice and we have time to spend with our friends and families enjoying the great outdoors.  Certainly after being cooped up all winter long, I could use a break, and to help celebrate, I've opened up a bottle of 2008 L'Ecole No. 41 Seven Hills Estate Walla Walla Syrah!

The wine is a deep ruby color, and the nose is a fabulous combination of leather, limestone, tobacco and ripe black fruit, with just a hint of dried herbs and mint over the top.  The taste is a bit jammy up front, with lots of rush ripe fruit, plum and blackberry, which transition to notes of tart cherry and dusty limestone midpalate.  The finish is quite nice, with some notes of dark chocolate and tobacco, with nicely structured tannins supporting a long, dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5 as it has a lot going for it, a wine that I would enjoy sipping on the patio with friends or bringing to a party, and as a bonus it has the potential to pair with a broad range of dishes.  Tonight I am pairing it with my Memorial Day feast:

• Baby spinach chef salad with 25-year balsamic and olive oil
• Grilled pork tenderloin marinaded in "Kentuckyaki" marinade (a teriyaki blended with Kentucky bourbon)
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Steamed asparagus

MMMMmmmm!  I've been waiting all day to eat!  Cheers! And for all who have served our great country, you have my heartfelt thanks for the sacrifice and commitment you've made, here here!