2014 Radio-Coteau Syrah Harrison Grade
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The 2014 Syrah Harrison Grade Estate is a fabulous wine for many reasons. Among them, the Harrison Grade appears to have handled the stress of the growing season better than some of the other wines in this lineup. Bright acids prop up the red cherry, plum, spice, mint, rose petal and blood orange flavors. Still tightly wound and in need of bottle age, the 2014 is simply superb, not to mention one of the clear highlights in this range.
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Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Another winner is the 2014 Syrah Harrison Grade. About 36% whole clusters were used for this wine, which was sourced from an organically farmed Syrah vineyard 800 feet above sea level. This 2014 is a more elegant take on Syrah, not as complex as the Dusty Lane, but exhibiting finesse, its flowery notes intermixed with black and red currants, beef blood and blackberries. According to Sussman, the clonal choice is somewhat of a mystery, but the wine is a beauty and comes across as medium to full-bodied. It should also drink well for at least a decade.
The 2013 Syrah Harrison Grade Estate is the most explosive and powerful of Radio-Coteau's single-vineyard Syrahs. The interplay of aromatics, fruit and structure is simply captivating. Inky blue/purplish fruit, spice, licorice and menthol linger in a wine endowed with considerable pedigree. The decision to use a good amount of whole clusters (45%) seems very well suited to the personality of this site.