Sweet pipe tobacco. It wafts out of each bottle of our Frank Johnson Vineyards Syrah. And it's no surprise, really, considering the fact that the founding grandfather of these Dry Creek vineyards was rarely seen without a pipe in his mouth. But after that first burst of sweet tobacco, the nuances are more subtle: old leather baseball mitt, dried blackberries and white pepper. Frank was an innovator who marched to his own beat, but we're sure he'd smile at the 93-points that Wine Enthusiast slapped on his estate wine.

Vintage

2005

Varietal

100% Syrah

Appellation

100% Dry Creek Valley, Frank Johnson Vineyards

Alcohol

14.9%

pH

3.82

Release Date

September 17, 2007

Suggested Retail

$35

Production

372 cases

Wood

44% new French , 56% neutral oak