2013 DW Old Syrah
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Tasting notes
Inky purple. High-toned cherry skin and dark berry scents are complicated by suggestions of licorice, Indian spices and leather. Deeply concentrated dark fruit liqueur and violet pastille flavors nicely combine power and vivacity, with a mineral nuance adding lift. Gains weight and spiciness on a long, smoke-tinged finish featuring fine-grained tannins and a touch of sweet chewing tobacco. Showing a wild streak right now but some bottle age should help tame this beast, at least a little bit.
Critic scores
Average Score
Josh Raynolds
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
2013 was the worst frosting ever for the Hoffmans followed by 2014, which was even worse. From a harvest that was cropped at 5.7 hectoliters per hectare, the 2013 DW-Old opens to black and red fruit, raspberry leaves, anise and lavender with hints of earth, tree bark and moss. The palate shows a lovely harmony and richness, and while the firm and grainy tannins need time, it has a nice brightness dotted with floral notes through the long and earthy finish.