Winemaker Notes
Made from an exceptional hillside vineyard located in Bennett Valley, where natural conditions are ideal for growing Syrah, and crafted by using classical winemaking techniques of Vallée du Rhone, this wine reveals a complex, spicy bouquet. Named after the famous culinary bundle to honor our first relative who emigrated from France to the USA, Abel Pierre Aimé Coutanceau, who was an accomplished chef. It is the ‘Garnished Bouquet’ or ‘Bouquet Garni.’
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Syrah Bouquet Garni has pronounced tar, cassis and violets with hints of cloves, black pepper and chargrill. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a firm backbone of chewy tannins and tons of spiciness, finishing with great persistence. 125 cases were made.
Rating: 95+
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.”
With boundaries overlapping the Sonoma Coast AVA and Sonoma Mountain AVA, Bennett Valley benefits from the cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean just like its neighbors. Top grapes planted include Barbera, Pinot noir and Chardonnay, as well as Bordeaux and Rhone varieties.