2010 La Bruma Estate Syrah

Peay’s 2010 Syrah La Bruma is full of cool-climate varietal notes. A bevy of blue/black fruits, tobacco, game, licorice, violets, black pepper, orange peel, smoke and graphite are some of the notes that flow from this impeccable, harmonious Syrah. The 2010 finishes with considerable aromatic lift and finesse. Readers who like cooler-climate wines will flip over the 2010 La Bruma. It is exceptional, but also a bit eccentric, so an open mind (and palate!) is required. In 2010, Peay released only one Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2025. Vintage 2010 wasn’t kind to Peay, as yields were down a full 50%. Then again, that is not unusual for extreme coastal sites that require heroic viticulture and relentless commitment to quality, exactly the values the Peay family embodies. Andy Peay told me 2010 required considerable sorting because of brutally cold weather. The late season heat spikes were less of an issue as most of the vines were in veraison at the time. Readers should note that the Peay Pinots aren’t vineyard designates, but rather are crafted to have specific signatures. The 2010s were made from fully de-stemmed fruit. Tel. (707) 894-8720