2004 Napa Valley Syrah
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Tasting notes
(includes 9% petite sirah and 2% viognier) Bright medium ruby. Aroma of black fruits, bacon fat, violet and flowers. Then juicy, spicy and tight in the mouth, with superripe flavors kept under wraps by firm acids and obvious chocolatey oak. This is dense and meaty syrah, finishing with chewy tannins and lingering spice character. (A barrel sample of the 2005, also made entirely from Hyde Vineyard fruit, showed cooler, more complex dark fruit, mineral and floral aromas; lovely density; and a sappy character that suggests it will evolve well; I scored this wine 90-92.)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The tannic, austere 2004 Syrah exhibits a dense purple color as well as a sweet bouquet of flowers and black fruits, plenty of power, but neither the texture nor density of Le Mistral or the finest Syrahs Phelps has made to date. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. (Release date 1/07) Tel. (707) 963-2745; Fax (707) 963-4831
About the producer
California winery Joseph Phelps is best known for its flagship Insignia cuvée, one of the first and finest proprietary red wines in the Napa Valley.