94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Wine industry folks often speculate about why Syrah hasn’t caught on as the next big grape the way it was expected. Some believe that its image was tarnished by too many inexpensive, insipid wines coming from overseas, or that it is confusing to consumers because it can be made in a range of styles from light and elegant to big and rich (but doesn’t that describe Pinot Noir as well?). Whatever the reason, the upshot is that there are some fantastic Syrah based wines being made in Northern California and the Central Coast that are also great bargains. We have talked before about Heintz Vineyards, which supplies grapes to some of Sonoma’s finest producers, while reserving their very best block for their own Heintz Vineyards estate wines, but this is the first time we have offered their Syrah. Thanks to the cooler temperatures in the “true” coastal area in which Heintz is located, this is definitely a lighter style Syrah, with plenty of elegance; in fact the Heintz wines are made by Kevin Kelley, one of the winemakers leading the trend of producing lighter, more elegant wines in California. This is a lovely wine, and is sure to delight fans of Northern Rhone Syrah.
The 2007 Heintz Vineyards Syrah is deep ruby in color, with a hint of purple. The nose shows typical Syrah aromas of blueberry and blackberry, but thanks to being picked a little earlier these are accompanied by red berry notes and striking minerality. The palate is spicy, with notes of black pepper and sous bois, along with berry and a hint of fresh plum. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and a long, smooth finish, this wine is perfect for those who prefer Syrah made with a bit of restraint over the high-alcohol, fruit-bomb style of Syrah made in hotter climates. With winter settling in, this is a perfect wine for hearty stew or just for sipping by the fire.
This wine is hard to find normally, let alone at a discount, so don’t miss your chance on this one!
Appellation: Sonoma Coast (100% Heintz Ranch)
Production: 9/6/08 - 178 cases
Alcohol: 14.2%
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
