2006 Lazy Creek Vineyards Syrah, Anderson Valley CA

This Syrah is very fruit forward and versatile going with the spinach and cheese ravioli dish that Rachel was having as well as the spicy chicken dish that I was eating.   More wine tasting notes can be found on the Lazy Creek web site at the link below.

Lazy Creek Vineyards holds a special place in our hearts going all the way back over seven years ago on our first trip out to the Mendocino coast.  At that time the winery was very much a boutique winery producing a small quantity of wine available mainly to restaurants and those that visited the winery.  We almost missed the entrance since the Lazy Creek sign on the highway was small and un-noticeable.  We meandered on a dirt road, over a narrow wooden bridge and through thick tree cover to discover a farm with chickens running around.  We jumped out and noticed a man in the living room jumping to his feet and running back to the rear of the house to greet us on the path we eventually took after following signs from the parking area.  After greeting us he opened up a barn that had a small wooden bar with glasses where he started to pour us wine.  For the first time we were introduced to unfiltered Pinot Noir – which we really liked.  After a few more tastings we decided to purchase a few bottles but discovered that they only took cash.  The man told us to go ahead and take the wine and to send him a check once we got home.  Not only were we blown away by the wine but we were won over by the hospitality. 

Lazy Creek has since gone through an ownership change but the quality remains.  We went back this year and encountered a new tasting room at the winery as well as larger crowds.  The quaintness will never be the same at Lazy Creek but the quality of wine produced there continues to be great.  Winery Map.