2002 Red Car The Table Syrah

Red Car is Sonoma Coast producer founded in 2000 by Carroll Kemp and Mark Estrin, a pair of amateur winemakers who had both worked in Hollywood’s movie business. They decided to name their wine enterprise after the electric trolley cars that ran throughout Los Angeles in the first half of the 20th century. Red Car makes a portfolio of wines under several labels, but its prestige label in the Reserve, which includes Pinot Noir, Syrah and Roussane.

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

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.