Winemaker Notes
Hamilton Vineyards is a spectacular site, located in the hills west of Dry Creek Valley. The Syrah from this vineyard is consistently some of the best in Sonoma County, producing very concentrated and structured wines with lots of pepper and spice along with ripe blackberry flavors.
The Blackstone 2002 Dry Creek Valley Syrah is a rich, bold wine with a chewy structure and velvety mouthfeel. The wines in very dark in color, reddish-black, and has bright, blackberry and black cherry aromas. On the palate it has rich, mouth-filling flavors of berry and spice. Enjoy this robust, powerful wine with grilled sirloin, spare ribs and other hearty dishes.
"Highly toasted oak with a rich, caramelly accent starts this wine off well, and its ripe, concentrated fruit provides plenty of support in both nose and mouth. It fills the palate with deep blackberry and oaky flavors, then runs into a slightly brusque bit of tannin in the late going, but here again, it is fruit rushing to the rescue, and the result is a fairly complete and convincing effort that will last for several years."
-Connoisseurs Guide
Professional Ratings
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.”
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.