By K.L. Riley

When I heard that the best female golfer of all time was getting into the wine business I was excited and skeptical. I’ve tasted different wines from various professional golfers and the result has always been good but not overwhelming. Well Annika Sorenstam has really set a new standard and in my opinion reached beyond any expectations to produce a wine capable of standing with all the heavy hitters. In partnership with Wente Vineyards the May 1st release of the 2006 Annika syrah marks its inaugural vintage.

This wine is comprised of 75 percent Livermore Valley Syrah and 15 percent Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, and fittingly, 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon from the Livermore Valley Golf Vineyard. Winemaker Karl Wente and Annika Sorenstam selected the 2006 Syrah from the Silva block on the Livermore Valley estate to be the backbone of the wine. This beautiful specimen has a deep dark hue and the nose is absolutely fabulous. The Syrah will give you aromas of wild blackberry, plum, and strawberry with chocolate and coffee flavors. The Cabernet Sauvignon provides more structure and augments the cassis and clove aromas. The palette is very intense, rich with all the flavors from the nose reinforced. The tannins are big and the wine is hearty but sensible. In my opinion this one is ready to be drank now but it can be cellared for at least 5 to 10 years. Wente Vineyards is led today by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the winery draws from 3,000 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of wine. I am always surprised by wines like these because they leave such a lasting impression. I will always remember where I was and who I was with when I drank that bottle, and I believe that the Annika Syrah will be the next big cult wine that everyone will want. I urge anyone who Is lucky enough to find the Annika Syrah to buy as much as possible.