The quality of Colorado wines has been increasing, albeit more slowly than we might prefer, and the Bethlehem Cellars "First Release" Syrah/Cabernet shows the potential of Colorado vineyards. Winemaker Bill Musgnung, with years of experience making wine in Oregon, has started a very small winery in Paonia. His first release (250 cases) is this "First Release" blend of Syrah and Cabernet and it is impressive, indeed. This wine is delicious!

The color is a nearly opaque blackish/ruby. The nose is sensational - concentrated plum, blackberry and blackcurrant scents are interwoven with subtleties of chocolate, herbs, leather, violets and black-pepper spice. The flavors are bold but in balance, with multiple layers of blackberry, blackcurrant and cocoa enhanced by toasty oak, vanilla, and cracked black pepper. This surprising Colorado red that combines astonishing depth of fruit with a distinctive and enticing wild element. The 2006 Bethlehem Cellars Syrah/Cabernet compares with any similarly priced wine from anywhere! Try it and see for yourself.