Red Car Wine Company "the Table" Syrah 2002

If you are really clever, you might find that the label shown is actually the back label. The front is shown below. But it's the back that says something useful.

The Red Car Wine Company is a recent arrival on the wine scene, with 2000 being the first release year. The company excels at cute labels, with a story on each wine, marketed by what is ostensibly movie moguls from Los Angeles, at tops the bottles with a rubbery plastic to mimic the wax some wineries still use; much to the annoyance of many wine drinkers and the consternation of many waiters attempting to open them. This one is easy.

The Table is the least fancy story I've seen with the quote, "WORDS FLOAT ABOVE THE TABLE. YOU HEAR WHAT I SAY, BUT DO YOU LISTEN?" A reference to couples talking past each other at dinner? I don't know. And yet.... I don't care. The web site is musical and lyrical, but not annoying in any manner than making the actual info somewhat obscured by the show.

A Santa Barbara county Syrah, from the one of the same vineyards, Thompson, that a number of high end winemakers like to use. And with good reason. This wine is a wonderful example of the area and grower. Deep purple and opaque color, viscous and leggy, the nose is up front and personal with plums and berries covered in light spice and a hint of smokiness, this wine is not your mamma's wine.

the first taste is big and semi-dry fruitiness, that given time will overcome the tannins to become even better than it is right now. Maybe two or three more years. Oh well. This is my only bottle.

The winery sells mainly direct, but can occasionally be found in better wine stores and restaurants. Prices are fairly high for most of their product, and the company allows orders generally of no less than six bottles, so for some, (read "me") I buy it when I find it.

If you like Syrah with finesse and power, this may be for you. Find it and try it.

Here is the front of the bottle.