2006 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Deep ruby to the rim. Very fresh aromas of medicinal blackberry, game and flowers, complicated by iron and a spicy high note. Then pliant and light on its feet, offering superb definition and lift to the flavors of dark berries, lavender and orange zest. Very sexy wine, with enough mid-palate stuffing to support its substantial youthfully tight tannins. The highest in acidity (7 grams) and lowest in pH (3.41) of the last dozen or so vintages, but then these wines normally fall in a rather narrow range. Should reward several more years of cellaring.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Saturated ruby. Exotic berries, fruity peppercorn, bitter chocolate, flowers, mocha and wet slate on the nose. Wonderfully sappy and fruity in the mouth, with terrific definition to the flavors of crushed dark berries, pepper and spices, along with a suggestion of exotic apricot. The pepper and spice elements linger impressively on the seriously tannic finish.
Never disappointing, and usually one of the finest Petite Syrahs made in California, the 2006 Petite Sirah Hayne Vineyard once again hits on all cylinders. A blockbuster Petite Sirah, inky purple in color with a glorious nose of charcoal, black raspberry, blueberry, creme de cassis, licorice, and crushed rocks, it is very full-bodied, powerful, with sweet tannin, decent acidity, and a 45+-second finish. This is an infantile wine that will benefit from 5-7 years of bottle age and last 25-30+ years. (Not yet released) Tel. (707) 963-0940; Fax (707) 963-8683