2005 Paul Hobbs Syrah Kick Ranch Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Inky purple. Powerfully scented aromas of cherry, dark berries, fresh flowers, smoked meat and graphite: very syrah. Deep, round and sweet, offering luscious cherry and blackberry liqueur flavors and excellent mineral lift. This broad, smooth wine finishes with excellent cling; the sexy oak notes linger but don't distract from the fruit.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2005 Syrah Kick Ranch Vineyard is a big, black/purple-colored, ball-buster sort of Syrah with plenty of pepper and cassis as well as hints of graphite and charcoal. The finish is full-bodied and peppery. Previously recommended: 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (90), 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard (95+), 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard (92+), 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Hyde Vineyard (91), 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard (94). Tel. (707) 824-9879; Fax (707) 824-5843
Saturated ruby. Intense, liqueur-like raspberry on the nose, with a luscious floral accent. Supple and sweet, with no apparent tannins and a gentle mineral lift on the finish. Very elegant, fine-grained syrah, with impressively pure fruit expression.
About the producer
Paul Hobbs is one of California wine’s biggest names. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, he joined Robert Mondavi in 1977, worked at Opus One and Simi before setting up his eponymous winery in 1991.