Winemaker Notes
A mélange of characteristics develop from our four clonal selections. Half of the grapes were fermented in open top fermenters, imparting elegance, floral notes and balance to the wine. The other half were fermented in closed top fermenters providing syrah's distinctive roasted coffee bean character and a strong structure to the wine. The components were then blended and barrel aged in French oak for 11 months. The wine was bottled without filtration.
In an elegant Northern Rhône style, the wine shows a seductive and tender texture, with a vibrant core of blackberry and game as well as exotic spices, which lead to a long, floral finish.
"The 2004 HdV Syrah should continue to improve for another five to ten years. Serve around 64°F and enjoy with venison, a rack of lamb, prime ribs, or a barbecued salmon."
-Stephane Vivier, Winemaker, HdV Wines
"Good ruby-red color. Highly aromatic nose combines blackberry, cassis, smoked meat, truffle, graphite and violet; I might have guessed Cote-Rotie. Juicy, precise and light on its feet, with lively flavors of blackberry and violet.This has the weight and silkiness-not to mention the elegance and energy-of pinot noir. Quite suave on the back end, finishing with very fine-grained tannins and lovely lift."
-International Wine Cellar
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Here is a Syrah that has aged beautifully and more than proven the worth of patience. Its fruity heart has not withered with age and ripe berries still play a central role in its deep, full volume aromas and flavors, and the wine is invitingly supple in feel. Its savory intimations of smoked meats and game provide it with convincing varietal authority. More persuasive than potent at this stage in its life and, withal, a refined, wonderfully complex wine with fine palatal staying power, it will drink famously now with a lamb loin roast but will easily keep without fading for upwards of another five 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.”
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.