French Camp Syrah Varietal/Style: Syrah Origin: Santa Maria Valley Vintage: 1998 Winemaker: Lane Tanner Rating: 12/20 Retail Price: $20.00

Tasting Notes: The color on this tiger of a wine is so concentrated you could save it for the fountain pen. But why waste such an intense, fruit forward example of Central California Syrah? The flavors are bold, the tannins intense and the finish as powerful as a woman who knows her mind. (Date tasted: 6/10/00)

Profile: There aren't too many American winemakers who look good in a skirt, but pioneering lady-winemaker Lane Tanner is proud to flaunt her femininity. As a matter of fact, it was the feminine style of Pinot Noir Tanner that was producing in 1984 for her then husband's Hitching Post restaurant in Central California, which prompted wine distributor Larry Rearson to back her namesake endeavor. Still wearing her gender on her sleeve, today Tanner produces Syrahs as well as her signature Pinots.

Address:
Los Olivos Wine & Spirits Emporium
City: Los Olivos, CA
Phone: 805-688-4409
Web site: www.sbwines.com
E-mail: n/a