Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2002 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard (400 cases) represents the essence of this varietal. It is an intriguing, provocative effort boasting an inky/purple color as well as a sumptuous nose of graphite intermixed with melted licorice, espresso, chocolate, blackberries, blueberries, and concentrated creme de cassis. Pepper and flower-like aromas are also present, but no oak is noticeable in this massively extracted, phenomenally rich, shockingly well-balanced Petite Syrah. Its purity and palate impression are fantastic. Cellar it for 5-10 years, and drink it over the following two decades. Rating 93-95.
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.