Winemaker Notes
An opaque black-purple core leads to a deep ruby rim. Head-turning aromas of mulberry, black olive, licorice, and violets titillate the senses. On the palate, full-bodied but smooth as silk. Nary a rough edge to be found. Enjoy this hedonistic wine (and raise a glass to Papa!) from release through 2014.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
This gorgeous Syrah has amazing complexity, depth and concentration, gushing with pure, rich wild berry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit that's simply delicious right now. Holds its tight focus and gains depth and nuance, with pepper, spice and savory flavors. Drink now through 2016. 307 cases made.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Bigger, richer, and fuller is the 2007 Syrah Papa's Block, a gorgeous, full-bodied effort displaying roasted coffee, blackberry, acacia flower, licorice, and dark raspberry characteristics. This full-bodied, dense, chewy, smooth-as-silk Syrah will provide superb drinking over the next 8-9 years.
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.