HdV Syrah 2006

The 2006 vintage was a year of eventful extremes. Despite significant flooding in parts of Napa Valley, winter rains did little damage at Hyde Vineyard where the shallow soils drain extremely well. Rain continued into spring delaying bud break by a few days. Mid-spring provided improved weather, as Hyde Vineyard experienced bloom along with a near perfect fruit set, followed by a July heat spike. Finally, the weather normalized through the month of August and the remainder of the season, consisting of morning fog and flavor concentrating winds.

The wine has a dark ruby hue and shows a complex nose of intense floral and red fruit aromas. Scents of vanilla and sweet spices add up to the mix in a unique bouquet. The experience continues in the palate with soft and elegant tannins accompanied by a deep and dense middle leading to layers of fruit, spices and flowers. The wine is balanced and shows a unique definition of flavors and persistence on the finish. It reminisces of a young Côte-Rotie or Saint Joseph with the opulent but restrained fruit of Hyde Vineyard. Our 2006 HdV can be enjoyed now after an hour of decanting and will certainly age well for 6 to 10 years.