Winemaker Notes
100% Syrah, grown on the estate in vineyards of high density planting. Fermented and aged in French barriques. A chunky, fruity Syrah with deliciously enticing plum and milk chocolate character. Medium to full bodied, with velvety tannins, hints of spice and game, and a fresh and fruity finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a beautifully layered syrah with licorice, blackberry and ddried meat aromas and flavors. Full body, round tannins and a fresh finish.
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Wine Spectator
A solid Syrah. Aromas of bright fruit and spices, with hints of meat and black pepper. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a bright, fruity aftertaste. Very tight and chewy now. Best after 2004. 5,500 cases made.
Italian Red Wine
While picturesque hillsides, endless coastlines and a favorable climate serve to unify the grape-growing culture of this country. The apparent never-ending world of indigenous grape varieties gives Italy an unexampled charm and allure for its red wines. From the steep inclines of the Alps to the sprawling, warm, coastal plains of the south, red grape varieties thrive throughout.
The kings of Italy, wines like Barolo and Barbaresco (made of Nebbiolo), and Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino (made of Sangiovese), as well as Amarone (mostly Corvina), play center stage for the most lauded, collected and cellar-worthy reds. Less popular but entirely deserving of as much praise are the wines made from Aglianico, Sagrantino and Nerello Mascalese.
For those accustomed to drinking New World reds, the south is the place to start. Grapes like Negroamaro or Primitvo from Puglia and Nero d’Avola from Sicily make soft, ammicable, full-bodied, fruit-dominant wines. Curious palates should be on the lookout for Cannonau (Grenache), Lagrein, Teroldego, Ruché, Freisa, Cesanese, Schiopettino, Rossese and Gaglioppo to name a few.