2015 Joseph Phelps Syrah Hyde & Sons Vineyard

The 2015 Syrah is a beauty! Ripe, forward and incredibly sexy, with awesome notes of black raspberries, blueberries, spiced meats and spring flowers, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, loads of sweet California fruit, and a light, elegant texture that keeps it lively and oh so drinkable. Upfront and ready to go, it should keep for a decade. While I couldn’t visit at Joseph Phelps due to the fire, their 2014s (and a few 2015s) showed beautiful in my tastings in Colorado.

Composed of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, the 2015 Syrah Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard displays a medium to deep garnet-purple color and a lovely floral nose of violets and lavender over a core of black cherries, blackberries and cracked pepper with hints of anise and garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a chewy backbone and lovely freshness with plenty of pepper and spice notes and a pleasant lift that follows through in the long finish. 700 cases were made.

The 2015 Syrah Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard is rich, ample and intense, as most wines are in this vintage. Black cherry, plum, cloves, menthol and licorice wrap around a core of intense dark fruit in this plush, super-inviting Syrah. Inky blue and purplish fruit, crème de cassis, mint and lavender infuse the persistent, nuanced finish. The ripeness and heat of the vintage come through loud and clear.