Winemaker Notes
With the Hudson Vineyard "T" Block Syrah, the wine starts out its life in cellar very fat, full, and somewhat awkward. But as it ages in barrel it becomes more refined, elegant, and balanced at a higher level. The exotic high tones of lavender and orchid, the white pepper spice, and the long finish develop from what began as an ungainly child. This wine is a telling argument for Syrah in Carneros, and for the proposition that a Syrah of power and structure can still be fine and graceful.
"The outstanding 2002 Syrah Hudson T Block, a superb parcel of the well-known Hudson Vineyard, boasts a saturated ruby/purple color as well as a beautifully ripe nose of acacia flowers, creme de cassis, and vanilla. Dense but elegant and well-balanced with seamlessly integrated acidity, wood, and tannin, and a long, smooth finish, it will provide a lot of pleasure over the next 5-8 years."
92 Points
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
August 2004
Professional Ratings
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.