Winemaker Notes
Flavors of dark plum and mountain blueberry lead into hues of tobacco, black pepper, and black olive. Aromatic nuances of coriander, basil, and violet bring a savory and floral complexity that is reaffirmed with notes of iron and smoked meat. Fine grain tannins and elevated acidity transition to an extended finish reminiscent of berry herbal tea. A wine of precision and restrained power.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep ruby-purple, the 2016 Syrah Californio opens with notes of dusty earth and graphite over a core of blackcurrants with nuances of loamy earth, tar, cigar ash and grilled meats. The palate is full-bodied with well-managed ripeness, mineral-laced fruits, a finely chalky frame and good freshness to lift the finish.
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.”
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.