Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
An absolutely amazing Syrah is the 2006 Syrah Papa’s Block in Russian River. From a vineyard called Atoosa, this full-bodied wine is limited in production, but boasts fabulous notes of graphite, blackberry, spring flowers, and creme de cassis with some scorched earth and spice in the background. Incredibly rich in fruit, dense and full, this is a stunner. It should drink well for at least a decade.
Range: 94-96 -
Wine Spectator
A dense, rich, almost syrupy effort that packs in lots of plum, black cherry and blueberry fruit that's plush and mouthcoating. Finishes with cedary oak, lots of pepper and spice, and a touch of heat.
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 standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.