2010 Joseph Phelps Syrah Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
(from Hyde Family Vineyards fruit): Bright ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of raspberry, graphite, smoked meat and pepper, all lifted by a floral topnote. Round, supple, spicy and dry, with a fairly strong oak component currently muting the wine's varietal character. Finishes firmly tannic and a touch dry.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Syrah is deeply expressive from the first taste. Blue and black fruit, grilled herbs, sage and rosemary all come together nicely in the glass. The 2010 is at times a bit rustic, but it has plenty of varietal character and excellent balance in its class. I expect the 2010 will drink nicely for a number of years.
The 2010 Syrah is deeply expressive from the first taste. Blue and black fruit, grilled herbs, sage and rosemary all come together nicely in the glass. The 2010 is at times a bit rustic, but it has plenty of varietal character and excellent balance in its class. I expect the 2010 will drink nicely for a number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Winemaker Ashley Hepworth has done a fabulous job with these new releases. While most of the attention at Phelps centers around the flagships Insignia and Backus, over the last few years I have been equally impressed with the straight Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that delivers tremendous bang for the buck. In addition to these wines, I also tasted a few Syrahs from the 1970s. Today, Phelps is known for their Cabernet Sauvignons, but it is also worth remembering Joe Phelps was the first grower to introduce Syrah to the Napa Valley several decades ago. Tel. (707) 967-3746
About the producer
California winery Joseph Phelps is best known for its flagship Insignia cuvée, one of the first and finest proprietary red wines in the Napa Valley.