2001 Martinelli Syrah Hop Barn Hill
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2001 Syrah Hop Barn Hill comes across as shy when compared to its 2002 counterpart. However, its inky/purple color is accompanied by intense aromas of blackberry liqueur, pepper, acacia flowers, and minerals. Dense, opulent, and full-bodied, with high tannin well-concealed by a wealth of glycerin and fruit, this full-throttle Syrah can hold its own with some of the monsters that emerge from South Australia. It should drink well for 10-12 years ... at a minimum. Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-0570
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(16.2% alcohol; the fruit was completely destemmed but not crushed) Saturated, opaque purple-ruby. Peppery, rather cool but highly aromatic nose of blackberry, violet, maple syrup, venison and menthol; like a cross between syrah and zinfandel. Juicy and very penetrating, with intense flavors of crushed blackberry, violet, pepper and spices. (This manages to hide its high alcohol much like the old Williams & Selyem versions of Martinelli zinfandel did.) A major step up from the distinctly hard-edged 2000: this has lovely mouth feel and terrific palate-coating length, with very fine tannins.
About the producer
Martinelli is a Sonoma benchmark for vineyard-designate bottlings—wines built to highlight how strongly a single site can shape Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Across the range, the focus stays consistent: small-production bottlings that feel distinctly tied to where they’re grown.