Syrah? Shiraz? Syraz?! Shyrah? Schlemiel! Schlimazel!
Another wine courtesy of my patron of fine food and drink, Ms. D – this Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Green Label Syrah-Shiraz 2007 (the clubhouse leader in longest beverage name on 43N/89W) comes well-recommended.
Wine: Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Green Label Syrah-Shiraz 2007
Vitals: 13.5% abv, 88% Syrah/12% Petite Sirah blend, 14 months in French oak
Company line: “Intense plum and clove aromas are the friendly greeting from our Green Label Syrah-Shiraz. Made from grapes grown in Paso Robles and Monterey, this concentrated and complex wine has soft tannins, and blackberry and boysenberry flavors layered with notes of smoky bacon, sweet vanilla, and bittersweet chocolate. -franciscopollawinery.com”
My take: dark ruby in the glass. Aroma bursts with ripe blackberry and plum with a spicy finish. Juicy dark fruits are bolstered by smoke and leather and enriched with lush chocolate, contributing to a dry but smooth tannic finish. A bold and full syrah that would stand up well to rich, meaty dishes and pair well with fruit and chocolate-based desserts alike. A solid value sub-$15. Thanks again, D. You know how to keep a guy’s wine game tony on a budget – exactly what we here at 43N/89W strive for every day. Well, at least a couple times a week, anyway.
43north/89west 
I’m really new to wine. Tried Riunite’s Lambrusco and loved it and wanted to try something else. First time I tried Francis Coppola Syrah/Shiraz Diamond Series Green Label, I didn’t let it breathe any and I missed the bacon flavors. This last time I tried it, it all came out. Before reading about this wine, I commented to my wife that I feel as though it would go great with Ham or possibly Cordon Bleu. She said black eyed peas and bacon. Both are right on the money.