Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
From volcanic and sandstone soils (which are very different from the heavy clays soils of the rest of the district), located off Henry Road and on the edge of the Carneros and Mt. Veeder appellations, the 2007 Arnot-Roberts Syrah "North Block" Hudson Vineyard is fermented on native yeast, with 50% whole clusters, and then aged for 11 months in 40% new French oak. The wine is wild and slightly exotic on the nose, with loads of smoky black fruits, bacon, tapenade, and gamey nuances that come through more with air. It shows a fair bit of ripeness on the palate with a fleshy, rich, and full rich mid-palate that's focused brilliantly on the finish by silky tannin and good acids. Drinking extremely well, if still on the young side, this should continue to perform well for another 5-8 years easily.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.