Winemaker Notes
Blend: 63% Syrah, 37% Grenache
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 63% Syrah and 37% Grenache (the latter from 40-year-old head-pruned vines), the 2011 Syrah/Grenache is Sonoma’s version of a French Chateauneuf du Pape. It was aged in neutral oak and achieved 14.5% natural alcohol. Abundant notes of lavender, roasted herbs, kirsch liqueur, black currants, bouquet garni and roasted meat jump from the glass of this opaque ruby/plum-colored wine. Full-bodied, rich, textured and long, it should drink well for 5-6 years. Sadly, there are fewer than 400 cases of this beauty.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.