2009 Syrah Eddie’s Patch
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Tasting notes
(made with one-third whole clusters): Opaque ruby. Heady, complex aromas of candied dark berries, incense and violet, with an intensely spicy topnote and a touch of cracked pepper. Juicy, gently chewy, deeply pitched blackberry and bitter cherry flavors stain the palate. At once dense and lively, finishing with superb clarity, thrust and lingering floral and spicecake nuances. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Syrah Eddie's Patch Hoppe-Kelly Vineyard bursts onto the palate with an exciting array of dark red cherries, rose petals, spices, leather and licorice. The use of 33% whole clusters gives the wine a high-toned register in the bouquet that is especially appealing. Sweet, silky tannins frame the exceptional finish in this pliant, highly expressive Syrah.
The 2009 Syrah Eddie’s Patch Hoppe-Kelly Vineyard bursts onto the palate with an exciting array of dark red cherries, rose petals, spices, leather and licorice. The use of 33% whole clusters gives the wine a high-toned register in the bouquet that is especially appealing. Sweet, silky tannins frame the exceptional finish in this pliant, highly expressive Syrah. This is a fabulous showing. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. This is a very strong set of wines from DuMOL and winemaker Andy Smith. Like so many producers, DuMOL is in the midst of a stylistic shift that began around 2005. Smith described some of the estate’s earlier wines as a bit too heavy. Today’s approach emphasizes picking a bit earlier than in the past and places greater emphasis on complexity, structure and acidity. At times, the malolactic fermentations are blocked. The Chardonnays are barrel fermented and aged in oak (50% new) with all of their lees, but there is no stirring of the lees. Tel. (925) 254-8922; www.dumol.com
My favorite in the lineup, the awesome 2009 DuMOL Syrah Russian River Valley comes from volcanic soils and a warmer, steep, terraced site in the northern part of the Russian River valley and was aged for 16 months in 52% new French oak. It displays deep, layers aromas of smoked blackberries, charred bread, mineral, pepper, violets, and hints of chocolate that lead to a full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully proportioned Syrah. While superb now, this has solid underlying structure and concentration; it should benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and drink well for 12-15 years. I'm a fan and this beautiful Syrah blends cool climate aromas with solid concentration and fruit.