Bibere: Firefly Ridge, Syrah, 2009, Central Coast

For ultra cheap wine, (i.e., the below seven dollar range), there generally aren't very many good options. Most taste either strongly of vinegar, or have very few qualities of any kind. However, we've found one label in that range that produces consistent wine. That would be Firefly Ridge ($6.99 at Vons/Pavillions.) Tonight, we had the 2009 Syrah.

Edie's Notes: Oaky nose with dark fruit, vanilla, and pepper. Full bodies without much dryness. Blackberries, oak, vanilla, and pepper taste. Very juicy. Dark, purplish-red color. Reminiscent of walking into Napa Valley. A straightforward, but tasty wine.

My notes: The nose is dominated by anise, with some blueberry. Pepper, a bit of smoke, berries and rhubarb palate. Silky texture with some lingering spice. Overtime developed an olive taste which I've noticed in a lot of Syrahs.

Firefly Ridge certainly doesn't produce the best wines in the world. They don't possess much complexity, but I think they are excellent for their price. A great inexpensive, wine for the days you don't feel like putting too much thought into wine selection.

Previous post in Bibere:

Bodega Norton Malbec

Gen 5 Cabernet Sauvignon