2010 Horseshoe Vineyard Syrah
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard was made from fruit harvested in November, not unusual in this cool, drawn-out growing season. Blackberry jam, cloves, menthol and licorice flesh out in a textured, deeply expressive wine endowed with tons of pure class. The 2010 was made with 100% whole clusters. Malolactic fermentation took place in tank and the wine was subsequently aged in neutral oak barrels. This is a fabulous effort in a very challenging vintage.
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Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
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Glass-staining purple. Powerful, smoke-accented aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, olive and licorice, with a spicy topnote. Shows textbook syrah character and intense blueberry and cassis flavors lifted by tangy acidity. Finishes smoky, sweet and very long, with smooth tannins lending shape and gentle grip.
Coming from a young vineyard (planted in 2004) and a blend of 100% Syrah that was fermented with 100% whole-cluster, the decidedly old school 2010 Horseshoe Vineyard is a gorgeous example of cool-climate, California Syrah. Possessing a mostly opaque ruby/purple color, it delivers a classic array of white pepper-laced black berries, wild herbs, pine resin, edgy minerality, and hints of game on the nose. Classic in style, with edgy acidity that’s balanced by superb depth, good concentration, and ripe tannin, this overall elegant beauty has gorgeous complexity, building richness, and outstanding length. It will be better in 3-4 years, and drink nicely for 15+ years or more.