2006 Plumpjack Syrah Napa Valley

Plumpjack’s Syrah is a blend of fruit from the Hudson Vineyard in Carneros and the Stagecoach Vineyard just above the Silverado Trail. The 2006 Syrah (1,500 cases) includes 35% whole clusters. It reveals a Northern Rhone-like character with its smoky, gamy, lard, roasted meat, bouquet garni, and blackberry-scented bouquet. Full-bodied, stylish, and loaded with complexity, it should drink well for a decade. These are consistently brilliant wines thanks to the efforts of winemaker Tony Biagia. The 2007 offerings reflect what a great site this 40-acre vineyard planted in the tenderloin of Oakville truly is. Older readers may remember the superb Villa Mt. Eden Cabernet Sauvignons made by Nils Venge (also the consulting winemaker at Plumpjack) in the mid and late seventies, wines that are still profound today. Tel. (707) 945-1220; Fax (707) 944-0744