What I Drank With Dinner (WIDWD)

Yesterday's forecast called for heavy rain and gusty winds all day here in Seattle, therefore my wife and I planned for a hearty meal and a full-bodied wine for Sunday dinner. Although there was some rain and a few gusts of wind, the predicted storm never materialized. No matter, for we were still glad to have been influenced by the forecast to prepare a slow-cooked lamb stew paired with a fantastic bottle of Isenhower Cellars syrah.

The Isenhower Cellars 2002 River Beauty Syrah is a delicious expression of Columbia Valley syrah, marrying two of the warmest appellations in Washington state with 60% Ranch at the End of the Road Syrah (Red Mountain) and 40% Milbrandt Vineyard Syrah (Wahluke Slope). Although these details cannot be found on the bottle's label, you can easily locate the winemaker's notes online at the Isenhower Cellars web site. It was great to see them maintaining an archive of tasting notes going back to their 2001 vintage of wines. Also, I liked that Brett and Denise included suggestions on what foods to pair with the '02 River Beauty, as they do with their other wines.

The wine matched very well with the Persian eggplant, chickpea, and lamb stew my wife prepared. When opening this wine, I was anticipating a big, fruit-forward syrah, but the '02 River Beauty surprised me in its understated elegance. It was full-bodied, but with a combination of soft tannins and nice acid that helped cut the richness of the lamb stew. The deep, rich color of the wine was incredibly beautiful - the photo I took above just does not do it justice.

I had read one review from a couple of years ago that found it a bit tannic. However, it seems like time has been a friend to the '02 River Beauty, as the tannins had softened considerably. Based on my tasting, it was more modest in its presentation due to aging, which is what I like in any wine. In fact, I think many of Brett and Denise's red wines benefit from cellar aging, providing those who are patient with some captivating wines.

Overall, my wife and I enjoyed how the '02 River Beauty challenged you to focus on what you were smelling with every glass poured and tasting with each sip taken.

There were subtle floral and deep berry fruit notes here that required one to pause and reflect, which is what I enjoy about drinking wine. The 14.7% alcohol was present in the finish, but not to the degree I expected it would. Maybe the lamb stew had something to do with it, but it didn't overpower the wine. I am glad to have a few more bottles of the '02 River Beauty, as it will be fun to experience this wine again in the years ahead.