2019 Joseph Phelps Syrah Hyde & Sons Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Syrah Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard is done in a bright style that emphasizes racy, red-toned fruit. Dollops of Viognier and a good bit whole clusters (50%) in fermentation add attractive floral top notes. This vibrant Syrah has so much to offer. Red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, lavender and spice grace the super-expressive finish. The 2019 needs a few years to soften, but it is very fine.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2019 Syrah Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard is a blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier. The Syrah came from the Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Syrah and the Viognier is from the St. Helena Home Ranch. It is being aged for 18 months in 33% New French oak puncheons and 67% two- to four-year-old French Oak puncheons. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with gregarious scents of warm black plums, blueberry pie and blackberry preserves, plus suggestions of bouquet garni, black pepper, violets and star anise. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with juicy black fruits and loads of pepper and spice sparks, framed by soft, rounded tannins, finishing long and fragrant. 690 cases are due to be made. (Tasted as a barrel sample.)
I always love the Syrah from this estate. The 2019 Syrah Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard packs lots of Old World complexity and character while still offering beautiful California fruit. Côte-Rôtie-like notes of black raspberries, smoked game, green herbs, lavender, and floral notes all emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a smoky, meaty, gamey style, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's another gorgeous California Syrah to enjoy over the coming 10-12 years or more.
The Syrah Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard is very silky and aromatic in 2019. Bright red/purplish fruit, flowers, mint and a hint of floral accents from the Viognier add character. Time in the glass brings out the wine's spicy, peppery side. I very much like the feeling of brightness here. Tasted from barrel, the 2019 Syrah Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard has a bit more of everything - fruit, perfume and energy - than the 2018 tasted alongside it.
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.