1999 Villa Mt. Eden Syrah

Villa Mt. Eden was founded in 1881, making it California’s 11th bonded winery. In the 1970s it was owned by Anne McWilliams, granddaughter of the founder of the Bank of America, and improvements were made. For a few years in the 1980s the much-admired Napa winemaker Nils Venge made the wines. In 1986 the estate was sold to Stimson Lane Vineyards & Estates, now known as Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the large Washington state based wine conglomerate.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.