Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
All Syrah from relatively younger vines that was destemmed and aged 20 months in 66% new French oak, the 2013 Syrah has a deep plum hue with an Hermitage-like nose of ripe, peppery blackberries, gamey meats, black olive, iron, and leather. It's full-bodied, has a pure, layered mouthfeel, loads of character, ripe tannins, and a great finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
There are only four barrels (100 cases) of the 2013 Syrah, which was planted in 2006. This 100% Syrah displays the meaty, camphor, floral and blackberry character of this varietal and hits the palate with a gush of sweet tannin and opulent, rich, concentrated fruit. It should drink well for the next decade at the minimum.
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.