2010 Andrew Murray Syrah Watch Hill Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Syrah Watch Hill Vineyard has a spectacular bouquet as well as loads to love on the palate. Rich, concentrated, yet also fresh and lively, with lots of black fruits, exotic spice, pepper and game/olive, it has full-bodied richness, a tight, fresh, concentrated profile, and a good finish. It's drinking nicely today yet is just at the early stages of maturity. The Watch Hill Vineyard is in the Los Alamos Valley and is a cooler vineyard in the region, which is generally warmer than both the Santa Maria Valley and the Sta. Rita Hills. Andrew’s Syrah from this site is normally cofermented with 5-8% Viognier and sees upwards of 20-30% stems. This terrific example of cool-climate Syrah from Santa Barbara County has a classic character and can be enjoyed on release or cellared for a decade. The quality seemed to take a step up as of the 2012 vintage, and today it’s consistently one of the top Syrahs coming from the region. It also still represents a smoking value.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Glass-staining ruby. Intense aromas of cassis, blueberry, olive and violet pastille: is this syrah or what? Full and broad on the palate, offering dark berry liqueur flavors framed by dusty tannins that build with aeration. This solid, dense wine finishes with very good power and smoky persistence. I suspect that it will be even better with a bit more bottle age.
Readers who want to understand cool-climate California Syrah without spending huge money should check out the 2010 Syrah Watch Hill Vineyard emerges from the glass with beautifully delineated dark plums, blackberries, crushed rocks, spices and savory herbs. There is an energy and sheer vibrancy to the 2010 that is absolutely compelling. A hint of mint, violets and graphite adds the final notes of complexity. The Watch Hill was co-fermented with 3% Viognier, and spent 18 months in French oak barrels (20% new) prior to being bottled. It is another fabulous wine for the money.
Readers who want to understand cool-climate California Syrah without spending huge money should check out the 2010 Syrah Watch Hill Vineyard, which emerges from the glass with beautifully delineated dark plums, blackberries, crushed rocks, spices and savory herbs. There is an energy and sheer vibrancy to the 2010 that is absolutely compelling. Hints of mint, violets and graphite add the final note of complexity. The Watch Hill was co-fermented with 3% Viognier, and spent 18 months in French oak barrels (20% new) prior to being bottled. It is another fabulous wine for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. This set of new releases from Andrew Murray Vineyards is full of fabulous choices at all price points. Tel. (805) 686-9604; info@andrewmurrayvineyards.com