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Blizzard Wines 2013 Syrah
A family vineyard makes a comeback
The vines at the family farm had been left to tend themselves, overgrown and ignored. But though the grapes had been abandoned, Dana Blizzard’s heart kept pulling her back to the property that her parents had bought in the 1980s – and where she had grown up helping with the harvest.
When she successfully tried her hand at amateur wine-making, Dana knew what would come next.
She took over the property, replanted some vines and drastically pruned others. Now, Blizzard Wines is building a reputation for great wine – though it’s still made in the garage of Dana’s parents’ house. A new production facility and tasting room are coming soon.
Her two young children, Carmen and August, often accompany her to their grandparents’ house and are already figuring out how to start grandpa’s tractor. Dana’s love of wine and love for her family has led to the promise of a multi-generational winery.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Blizzard Wines, Hillsboro, Oregon
2013 Syrah
The Blizzard Wines Syrah is made in a traditional French style and co-fermented with a small amount of Viognier to bring out the beautiful floral nature of this big, red wine.
Yes, you read that right. Why would someone add a white variety to a red? No one is really sure how the practice came to be, but it’s a traditional way to add a floral note to the wine and round out the mouthfeel, increasing the complexity of the wine. It can also enhance the pepper and spice character of the Syrah.
Dana’s Syrah grapes come from the Columbia Gorge where the warm climate helps ripen the grapes and develop Syrah’s characteristic dark fruit flavors and herbal qualities.
A Cellar 503 selection in May 2015, Women Winemakers Columbia Gorge | Syrah
