Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Syrah Hudson Vineyard is made from the famous Alban clone of Syrah. French in style, with notes of damp earth, pepper, frying bacon and steak tartare, this savory wine saw 35% whole-clusters during fermentation. The wine is rich, full-bodied, Northern Rhône-like and rich and persistent in the mouth. This is a sensational Syrah, obviously from fabulous raw material, but not much was made (only 120 cases). Drink it over the next 7-8 years.
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Wine Spectator
Expressive smoky beef and blueberry aromas lead to a structured core of lively tannins and acidity, framed by rich flavors of boysenberry, mineral, dark fruitcake spices and licorice. Drink now through 2027.
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.”
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.