Winemaker Notes

This is the first Syrah we have sold, though the third we have made. The 1995 and 1996 were tiny quantities and are resting in our library. 1997 was great vintage for Syrah, as well as other red varieties. The wine is big, full bodied and intense in flavor. The Syrah excelled in the warm year and ripened early, laden with color, tannin, and a peppery varietal aroma. This first release will not be the last, and will be one that will improve as time passes.

Tasting Notes: The wine has great depth to its color and a purple hue. The aroma is sweet and developed, showing traces of the peppery Syrah varietal aroma. In the mouth, the wine shows great power and a rich extract. The body is full, tannins are broad and intense. This wine will age and improve over many years of bottle age.

Professional Ratings

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    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.

    GLO1596017_1997 Item# 24078