Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From Knight’s Valley, the 2003 Syrah Obsidian (named for the area’s Obsidian soils) boasts a dense blue/purple color in addition to big, opulent, concentrated, heady aromatics, massive body, and abundant amounts of blackberry fruit intermixed with licorice and flowers. It’s a gorgeous Syrah that needs a bit more time in the bottle to strut its stuff. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020.
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Wine Spectator
A stylish wine that captures ripe, vivid black cherry, rhubarb and wild berry fruit that's lightly scented with pepper and sage. An elegant aftertaste with surprisingly firm, peppery tannins. Best from 2006 through 2011. 483 cases made.
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.”
A small and picturesque valley separating Napa Valley on its south border and Alexander Valley to its north, Knights Valley excels in similar varieties as the two aforementioned appellations, namely red Bordeaux varieties and blends, as well as Sauvignon blanc. Originally established by Beringer Vineyards, today several outstanding producers claim acreage here. The circadian cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean create a nighttime respite for vineyards during the hot growing season.