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
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
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.
