2016 Plumpjack Syrah Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
In addition to the Bordeaux blends, this estate makes a terrific Syrah, and the 2016 Syrah Napa Valley reveals a deep purple color as well as exotic blackberry, bacon fat, olive, and bloody meat-like aromas and flavors. This medium to full-bodied beauty is plush, seamless, and incredibly sexy on the palate, yet it's also pure and perfectly balanced, with no sensation of weight or heaviness. It’s terrific and will drink well for 10-12 years, although bottles wouldn’t last that long at my house.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
As has often been the case, the 2016 Syrah is the hidden gem in the PlumpJack range. The interplay of rich dense fruit and more savory notes from the 30% whole clusters yields a wine of real distinction and class. There is so much to like in the 2016, especially the wine's depth, vibrancy and impeccable balance. Readers can expect a dark Syrah with plenty of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, licorice and spice overtones.
Made of 100% Syrah, the very deep purple-black colored 2016 Syrah comes bounding out of the glass with powerful Black Forest cake, preserved plums and blueberry pie notes followed up by hints of espresso, peppered salami, licorice, charcoal and fertile loam. Full-bodied, rich and velvety textured, with loads of opulent fruit layers on offer in the mouth, it has an epically long, savory finish.
The 2016 Syrah packs a serious punch. Inky and explosive on the palate, the 2016 is shaping up to be another real gem from winemaker Aaron Miller. Even with all of its intensity, the 2016 has a good bit of freshness and structure woven into its intense, dark-fleshed fruit. Scents of lavender, licorice and blueberry pie add to the wine's considerable appeal.