2012 Syrah, Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard

Winemaker Notes This is our third vintage of Syrah from the Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard and our very first estate designation following a 2011 long-term estate vineyard lease agreement. The 2012 Syrah is brimming with fragrant white flower, violet, blackberry, plum and savory spice aromatics. Beautifully structured with balanced fruit and freshness for an elegant, appealing wine laced with black raspberries, white pepper and lilac notes.

Winemaking Data During harvest, grapes were picked at night to preserve the fruit?s temperature and freshness. The Syrah blocks were fermented 20% whole cluster, 20% destemmed and left whole berry and 60% destemmed and gently crushed before fermentation, with regular punch downs until the desired texture was achieved. The wine was aged for eighteen months in 42% new French oak and 58% one- to two-year-old French oak (a mixture of puncheons and barrels) before bottling in July 2014. The barrel coopers included Ermitage, Sirugue and François Frères.

Vintage Notes The 2012 growing season proved to be excellent from start to finish in Napa Valley. It was a warmer year than the prior three. Bud break occurred during the first two weeks of April and both bloom and veraison took place earlier than 2010 and 2011. August, September and October offered perfect ripening weather for superior fruit with exceptional quality.

Reviews 91-93 Points - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
It exhibits abundant aromas of bacon fat, lychee nuts, spring flowers, cassis and black raspberries. This sensual, refined, smoky wine hits the palate with a medium to full-bodied richness, polished and refined tannins, decent acidity and a rich mouthfeel. (Oct. 2013)

91-93 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The 2012 Syrah, Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard is a little more lifted and perfumed than the straight Syrah bottling. Violets, smoke, black pepper, licorice and tar meld together in a super-refined, polished Syrah. The 2012 stands out for its finesse, silkiness and overall balance. Varietal notes reappear on a fragrant, expressive finish that balances the overt racy style of the year. (Nov. 2013)

Tasting Notes Download Tasting Notes (pdf)