The Thompson Vineyard Syrah was the “perfect pick” for us in 2011. Ripe, beautiful fruit, that exuded luscious aromatics from its first days in the fermenters. It is rich, luscious, aromatic, with an extremely long, elegant finish. Flavors of gingerbread, cherry, bramble, and a hint of mint. Balanced acidity and tannins provide nice structure and make this wine light and exciting in the mouth. Red fruit, cola, and a “stick to the lips” quality on the finish. One of our favorite wines from the vintage. - Winery
Fermentation: The fruit was stemmed, not crushed. Intact whole berries fermented in small boxes for 14 days after a 48 hour cold soak.
Barrel Aging: 22% new French Oak, 78% 1 year old and older French and American barrels. Aged 18 months in barrel.
Alcohol: 15.0% by Vol.
** SOLD OUT **
The 2011 Syrah Thompson Vineyard is surprisingly tight and inward at this stage. Blue and black fruit, violets, lavender, spices and menthol emerge over time, but only with great reluctance. The intense tannins are going to need at least a year to settle down, but there is a lot to look forward to, not the least of which is the wine's super-exotic personality. -- Antonio Galloni 94 Points
One of my favorite 2011s from Craig, the 2011 Syrah Thompson Vineyard, which was 100% destemmed, has smoky, meaty and bacon nuances balanced by sweet fruit and underbrush qualities that come through with air. Medium-bodied, balanced and with building richness, it-s a classic Syrah. Enjoy it over the coming 6-7 years. Drink 2014-2020. - Robert Parker 93 Points
A pure, dense, richly flavored style, with a mix of blueberry, blackberry and wild berry flavors. Jammy without being weighty. Ends with a burst of raspberry and spice notes. Drink now through 2022. 231 cases made. –JL - Wine Spectator Magazine 91 Points
