Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2014 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard was the most closed down and tightest of all of Turley’s Petite Syrahs. It has a dark ruby/purple color, but judging it on its current showing rather than its historic legacy and quality, this was the least impressive of all five Petite Sirahs. It is tannic and somewhat austere by the standards of this vineyard, but still dark, broodingly backward and ripe. Nevertheless, I didn’t get the texture, richness and finish that I found in the other Petite Sirahs. Let’s withhold judgment somewhat, but it certainly has outstanding potential. Rating: 90+?
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.