Delicious Delectus!

In an industry so diverse, it would be nearly impossible to find a winemaker with a story as remarkable as Gerhard Reisacher's. After spending his childhood helping in the family vineyard and later attending Klosterneuburg, the premier winemaking college in Austria, eighth generation winemaker Gerhard packed his bags and headed for Napa Valley. He arrived in the United States inspired by a few bottles of Napa Valley wine and spoke little English. His goal was to learn all he could about the Napa Valley wine industry until finally in 1995 he and his wife, Linda, started their own winery, Delectus, where they celebrate the uniqueness of Napa Valley terroir.

It is this respect for terroir that makes Delectus wines so delicious... including their Syrah. The 2005 Syrah comes from a vineyard near Mt. George in southeast Napa Valley. It is rich in color, bold in taste, and sure to age beautifully... the perfect cab-lovers Syrah!

Delectus offers a tasting experience that is much like their Syrah. Found in an unexpected place, the winery and tasting room are in a corporate complex (a winery permit is currently pending for their mountain property in Knights Valley). However, once you walk through the doors, you find yourself in a warm environment that is all about family. If it is harvest time, you may have the pleasure of meeting Mutti (Gerhard's mother) who flies in from Austria to help with the harvest activities. The walls are adorned with original art created by Gerhard and Linda's daughter, Julia. And of course we can't forget Fannie Mae and Splash, the family dogs who also serve as official greeters. Along with the lovely family is a warm and friendly hospitality staff, Victoria and Elizabeth, who conduct the tour and tasting.

Delectus tastings are unique because most of the visit takes place in the barrel cellar. Their tastings tend to last about an hour and a half. After several barrel samples, the tasting concludes in their tasting room which showcases a beautiful table that is also a soil exhibit. The individual attention makes every visitor feel special and welcome. And of course the delicious wines make the trip well worth the effort to find the winery!

Click here to learn more about Delectus in our Wine Directory!

Clich here to learn how Chef Binder paired Delectus Syrah with food.