Winemaker Notes
Soaring multi-dimensional aromatic complexity that is quite dramatic. Violet, dark berry pastille, graphite, and black olive. Bright peppery component with deep succulent blue and black fruits—really sings of its cool climate origins. Simultaneously layered and deep yet beautifully pure and lifted. Focused, granular tannins, powerful but never edgy. Lingering complexity—dusty cocoa and dried herbs.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2021 Syrah Wild Mountainside is fabulous. Inky, deep and explosive, the 2021 possesses tremendous concentration from start to finish. Blackberry, chocolate, spice, sage, menthol and gravel all run through this deep, savory Syrah. All the elements come together so effortlessly. The 2021 is a blend from Hoppe-Kelly and Limerick Lane.
Tank Sample: 94-96 -
Wine Enthusiast
Great fruit concentration and subtle oak spices deserve attention in this ripe, complex and nicely tannic wine. Blackberries, blueberries, rosemary and dark chocolate make a compelling combo on the palate.
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Wine Spectator
Potent yet handsomely structured, with expressive huckleberry, crushed stone and smoked pepper flavors that build tension toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2025 through 2032. 660 cases made.
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.