2018 Syrah, Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard

Winemaker Notes The 2018 Syrah is dark and inky in hue with aromatics of blueberry, black pepper, espresso, dark chocolate and savory dried herbs. The palate is layered with lush tannins, intense dark fruit concentration, and a long, elegant finish.

Winemaking Data Grapes were harvested at night to preserve temperature and freshness in the fruit and fermented using some whole clusters. The wine was aged for seventeen months in 37% new French oak puncheons and 63% in 2-4 year-old French oak (a mixture of puncheons and barrels). The barrel coopers included Ermitage and François Frères.

Vintage Notes The 2018 growing season in Napa Valley was marked by cool, mild weather. The cooler than normal spring delayed budbreak, bloom and veraison by two weeks compared to the previous several years. The mild weather pattern in August and September allowed for an extended hang time during harvest allowing exceptional and complex flavor development and overall fruit quality for the vintage.

Reviews 95 Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
It prances out of the glass with flamboyant notions of violets, peach blossoms and spice cake over a core of black cherries, warm black plums and blueberry pie, plus a waft of Sichuan pepper. The palate is refreshing and elegantly styled, featuring bright, crunchy black fruit flavors and bags of floral accents, finishing long with a gorgeous plush texture.” -LPB, Nov. 2020

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
I was able to taste two vintages of the Syrah from this estate, both of which showed beautifully from barrel last year. The 2018 Syrah Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard reveals a deep purple hue to go with a smoky, meaty, Côte Rôtie-like perfume of black raspberries, smoked game, spring flowers, bacon fat, and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, pure, elegant, and seamless on the palate, it's a gorgeous Syrah I'd be thrilled to drink any time over the coming 10-15 years. (Dec. 2021)

92 Points - Antonio Galloni's Vinous
The 2018 Syrah Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard is elegant and nuanced, with lovely aromatic presence from the whole clusters, around 50% in this vintage. Red/purplish berry fruit, lavender, rose petal and spice all grace the 2018. Bright saline notes extend the finish nicely. -Dec. 2020

Tasting Notes Download Tasting Notes (pdf)