2018 Joseph Phelps Syrah Hyde & Sons Vineyard

The 2018 Syrah Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard is elegant and nuanced, with lovely aromatic presence from the whole clusters, around 50% in this vintage. Red/purplish berry fruit, lavender, rose petal and spice all grace the 2018. Bright saline notes extend the finish nicely. The 2018 was done entirely in puncheon.

Composed of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, the 2018 Syrah Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard was sourced from 95% Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard Syrah and 5% St. Helena Home Ranch Viognier. It was aged for 17 months in 37% new French oak puncheons and 63% two- to four-year-old French oak (a mix of puncheons and barrels). Deep garnet-purple in color, it prances out of the glass with flamboyant notions of violets, peach blossoms and spice cake over a core of black cherries, warm black plums and blueberry pie, plus a waft of Sichuan pepper. Medium- bodied, the palate is refreshing and elegantly styled, featuring bright, crunchy black fruit flavors and bags of floral accents, finishing long with a gorgeous plush texture. 1,040 cases were made.

The 2018 Syrah Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard is racy, perfumed and bursting at the seams with varietal character. Lavender, black pepper, mint, spice, licorice and inky dark fruit all race through the 2018. Aromatic and sumptuous, the 2018 is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. The inclusion of 39% whole clusters - high for this wine - works beautifully in lending notable energy and vibrancy.