Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Made from 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache, this deceptively restrained wine shows a silkiness of texture wrapped around a brightness of soft, red berry and earth, managing to stay juicy and refreshing in the glass. Leather and black pepper play on the palate as it winds down.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
An amazing wine is their blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache, the 2013 Syrah/Grenache, which again sees almost all neutral oak barrels. Deep purple, with a sexy nose of spring flowers, blackberries, Christmas spices, licorice and forest floor, it’s deep, full-bodied, voluptuously textured, opulent and just a stunningly rich, concentrated wine. I’m surprised the alcohol is only14.1%. The good news is there were just under 500 cases produced. Drink now-2023.
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.