Winemaker Notes
Very dark purple. A full glass is nearly opaque. Brooding but potent aromas of blackberry confiture, bittersweet chocolate, lavender, and white pepper all speak to the vineyard's cool climate. Medium to medium-full bodied on the palate, flavors of elderberry and blueberry are front and center while subtle notes of chocolate and spice emerge in long, moderately tannic finish. A wine built for aging so if opened early, pair with appropriate foods.
Blend: 95% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2021 Syrah Radiant Ridge Vineyard is dense, potent and explosive, as wines from this site can be. Inky dark fruit, lavender, chocolate, licorice, spice and dried flowers saturate the palate. This heady Sonoma County Syrah packs a serious punch. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, chocolate, graphite and incense build into the huge, muscular finish. Radiant Ridge remains one of the most distinctive sites in all of Sonoma.
Range: 94-96 -
Jeb Dunnuck
A youthful deep purple, the 2021 Syrah Radiant Ridge Vineyard is lush with pressed violets, fresh black plum, and pepper. It’s full-bodied on the palate but has good lift and is light on its feet, with a hint of citrus and black cherry, fine tannins, and a bit of grip on the finish. It’s a snappy and crunchy wine underneath. Drink 2024-2034.
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.”
With boundaries overlapping the Sonoma Coast AVA and Sonoma Mountain AVA, Bennett Valley benefits from the cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean just like its neighbors. Top grapes planted include Barbera, Pinot noir and Chardonnay, as well as Bordeaux and Rhone varieties.