Winemaker Notes
The wine showcases a deep, inky purple red color. On the nose, there are distinct notes of vanilla, cigar, leather and prune. The tannins offer a velvety smoothness that enriches the luxurious mouthfeel. On the palate, there's a seamless interplay of sweet and savory characteristics. The balanced acidity enhances the overall structure, and the finish leaves a long lasting impression.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The hugely impressive 2019 Syrah Hyde Vineyard (84 cases produced) is inky purple-black in the glass. Blackberry, molasses and espresso notes appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich and concentrated without being overly textured or tannic. It even turns a bit silky on the lengthy finish.
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James Suckling
A rich and dense syrah with dark berries, baked cherries and sweet spices on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with plush tannins. Rich, ample and opulent with a focused and creamy finish. Drink or hold.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Syrah Hyde Vineyard showed beautifully, with a juicy, black, almost blue-fruited profile offering plenty of violet and peppery nuances, full-bodied richness, a round, nicely balanced mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It's perfect for drinking over the coming 5-7 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.