2017 Martinelli Syrah Hop Barn Hill
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2017 Syrah Hop Barn Hill is the most powerful and overt of the four Syrahs I tasted. Wild red cherry, dried leaves, earthiness, spice, leather and cedar give the Hop Barn Hill tons of aromatic nuance. Bold and deeply expressive, the 2017 has so much going on. (Drink between 2020-2030)
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Syrah Hop Barn Hill is very deep purple-black in color with a super intense nose of crushed black currants, black cherry preserves, plum pudding and fruitcake with touches of cigar box, star anise and espresso plus a waft of garrigue. Very big, very full-bodied and wonderfully opulent in the mouth, it offers tons of black fruit preserves and savory layers supported by firm, chewy tannins and just enough acidity, finishing long and mocha-laced. Only 36 cases were made.Our 2015 Hop Barn Hill Syrah has deep aromatics of black cherry, cassis, and allspice with firm acid on the palate and flavors including concentrated blackberry, tobacco and coffee bean.
About the producer
Martinelli is a Sonoma benchmark for vineyard-designate bottlings—wines built to highlight how strongly a single site can shape Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Across the range, the focus stays consistent: small-production bottlings that feel distinctly tied to where they’re grown.