Neyers Syrah Sonoma Coast Old Lakeville Road 2006

#62 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2008

The Sangiacomo Family developed this vineyard in the mid-1990's, using budwood from the three primary red wine vineyards in the northern Rhóne: Cornas, Hermitage and Cóte-Rótie. The 12-acre parcel was divided into three blocks, and each is harvested and fermented separately. From these three components, we create a blend which seems to have characteristics from each of the appellations. The vineyard is located in what is proving to be one of the most favorable spots for Syrah in California. This is our third bottling of wine from the Old Lakeville Road vines, and each has been regarded as one of the most highly rated bottlings of California-produced Syrah from its vintage.

"Ripe and grapey, with rich, elegant spice, pepper and juicy, dusty wild berry flavors that are sleek and focused, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2012." 93 Points
-Wine Spectator

"The 2006 Syrah Old Lakeville is deep ruby/purple, offering hints of charcoal, blackberry, raspberry, and cherry notes. It has impressive ripeness and density, richness, and more tannin and structure than the Hudson Vineyard. This particular cuvee will benefit from 1-2 years of cellaring and should last for up to a decade."
-Wine Advocate

"Good deep medium ruby. Briary raspberry, blackberry and chocolate on the rather liqueur-like nose. Then bright and almost shockingly energetic in the mouth for all its creaminess, with juicy flavors of dark cherry and spices. Not as complex as the Cuvee d'Honneur but I like the wine's exotic aspect. Finishes with supple, dusty tannins and very good length. This struck me as the syrah equivalent of the best of today's creamy new-wave pinots from the North Coast."
-International Wine Cellar