Winemaker Notes
Rich plum and blueberry aromas are framed by hues of black pepper, iron, and rosemary. Fine grained tannins carry flavors of smoked meat, fennel seed, and Mission fig across the palate. This wine displays masculine, animalistic tones that are juxtaposed by flavors of Japanese plum candy and sweet lavender.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Syrah Californio, aged 15-16 months in 20% new French oak, is fragrant and seamless. Blackcurrants, plums and blueberries are accented by touches of violet, coffee bean, potting soil and cast iron on the nose. The medium-bodied palate is granular and lifted, with ringing violet perfume and a very long, layered finish. It's stunning straight from bottle (and highly drinkable at just 13.9% alcohol), but it offers the concentration and freshness to develop savory complexity in the cellar over the next decade or more. Rating: 95+
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.