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%
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
