Oakland, Eh?

“How about that Syrah, huh?” gloated the Country Mouse. “That’s country livin’, boy. Bet you’d never find anything like this in the city.”

“It’s pretty good,” the City Mouse agreed. “Almost as good as my favorite Syrah, by JC Cellars out of Oakland.”

“A winery in Oakland?” The Country Mouse creased furry little brow. “What state?”

“California. Yep, right there in the city. Jeff Cohn sources grapes from some of the best vineyards in California, then whips them into shape with a classic French-style approach to winemaking.”

“But… but… are they allowed do that? Aren’t wineries supposed to be, like, nestled in picturesque hills and whatnot?”

“Beats me. All I know is, the JC Cellars 2005 Caldwell Vineyard Syrah is an elegant, terroir-heavy Rhône-style red with a distinct roasted, earthy character. Aromas of dark fruit and freshly ground espresso beans are sprinkled with hints of lavender and rosemary. The palate positively drips with raspberry and vanilla creme flavors, spiced with roasted meat, black olives, and white pepper. It’s tight, as the city kids might say.”

“And you’re sure it’s from the city?”

“Well, the grapes come from Caldwell Vineyard, which sits above the fog line near San Pablo Bay. Cool breezes plus full sun equals some pretty awesome fruit.”

“Ah, I knew it,” gloated the Country Mouse, his muzzle contorted in a look of smug satisfaction. “They could never grow grapes like that in the city.”

2005 Caldwell Vineyard – Syrah:

• Varietal: 100% Syrah
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Alcohol: 15%
• Production: 702 cases

Rules and restrictions:

• Wine sold by winery (or a retailer in your state where necessary)
• You must be 21 or older to order
• Whoever receives the package must be 21 or older
• If you're drunk when the package shows up, you will not be allowed to receive it
• Wine cannot be delivered to a P.O. Box
• We highly recommend you use a business address as your shipping address

Thanks to stick-in-the-mud buzzkilling state legislators, wine may only be delivered to the following states:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• District Of Columbia
• Florida
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin

If your state's not on the list, you're out of luck... for now. Keep up with the ever-changing laws over at ShipCompliantBlog.com, and/or sound the alarms with your state assembly person through FreeTheGrapes.org. Meanwhile, all Federal, state and local laws are complied with in providing this wine.