Winemaker Notes
This 2004 Syrah shows black cherry and cassis aromas, with hints of toasty wood. Big flavors of chewy coffee and black fruit are followed by a rolling chocolate finish. This intense wine pairs well with game birds, lamb and spicy barbecued ribs.
We sourced the majority of the fruit for the 2004 Napa Valley Syrah from two Napa Valley vineyards. Juliana Vineyard in Pope Valley provided deep, inky-colored and fully ripened fruit. Clarke Vineyard in the southernmost section of Napa in American Canyon supplied grapes with cool climate finesse, black cherry aromas and dense, dark chocolate flavors
"A rich, savory, supple-textured wine, with spicy wild berry amid hints of game meat, sage and herb. Ends with a vivid blueberry flavor that's distinct and captivating."
-Wine Spectator
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.