Syrah Stars at Fulkerson Winery!

Gloria Swanson may have been ready for her close up, Mr. DeMille, in the classic noir movie, Sunset Boulevard. But at Fulkerson Winery, Syrah is really the star. While there are a number of very good wines produced by this winery, these two Syrah offerings are among the best on the east coast when it comes to Syrah.

Farming the land since 1805, The Fulkerson family now produces more than 30 varieties of wine and 33 varieties of fresh grape juice to home winemakers. Offering Classic vinifera, Heritage Native, and Regional Hybrid varieties of wine, variety is the name of the game. Located on Seneca Lake, the winery is a classic Finger Lakes stop. Dan Gobush is the lead winemaker, who has been with the winery since 2016. Steven Fulkerson is owner and winemaker, representing the 7th generation of the family. And Sayre Fulkerson is founder, co-owner, and head winemaker, who opened the winery in 1989.

According to the winery, "Our 2.88 acres of Syrah planted in 2014, is one of the largest plantings in New York of this early ripening, vigorous variety from the northern Rhône. The site we chose to cultivate this variety is on the furthest down-slope of our original 1805 farm. The site is well drained with deep Howard series soils. This site is steep and protected from strong winds, which also allows for good air drainage, protecting the site from both high and low temperatures throughout the year. Being a mid-ripening variety, we are able to select optimal flavor and sugar levels a little better than with some of our more traditional red varieties which ripen at the end of the season."

The Fulkerson Syrah Rose' 2024 is spectacular. Bright, fruity, balanced, and bone dry, it's an absolute revelation. It's super aromatic, with a big nose of fresh cut strawberries, giant slices of watermelon, and fresh cut lemons. This is a refreshing, fruit packed wine, that's absent of sugar, but packed with flavor. And the zippy acidity keeps the fruit alive and vibrant. An absolute eye opener. Possibly one of the best rose's of the year. And an incredible value. Super underpriced (btw)!

Likewise, the Fulkerson Reserve Syrah 2022 is not only vibrant, but complex and sophisticated in away that is truly amazing. Aged in a combination of French and Hungarian oak for more than one year, this dark red-purple wine swells with aromatic notes of  black cherry, Cassis, plum, and black berry. SMooth and soft and approachable it had lovely dark tea tannins and terrific acidity which keeps the dark fruit alive and fresh. Layered and well balanced, this wine is outstanding. An excellent version of the grape, no matter the region. A powerful, impressive statement of winemaking. One of the best Syrah's on the east coast. An absolute joy to dirnk. Fantastic!

These are both must try wines - some of the best Syrah on the east coast is at Fulkerson Winery.