Syrah

Eliciting thoughts of markets in the far east, the exotic aromas, textures and color of our syrah enchants us from year to year.

A melange of characteristics develop from our four selections: Alban, Syrah Noir, 877 and 174. The Alban provides elegance very uncommon in syrah while the Syrah Noir selection balances Albans elegance with a rustic depth of plum, spice and good tannins. 877 & 174 follow along with excellent depth and distinct black cherry and sweet tobacco characters.

2005 HdV Syrah

The 2005 vintage in Los Carneros was cool and slow paced. After an early bud-break in the middle of March, Hyde Vineyard experienced wet weather in May and June. Summer consisted of cool weather thanks to the San Pablo Bay fog influence. From maturation through harvest, days were sunny and mild, allowing flavors to develop gradually with pronounced acidity and expressive complexity.

Initially, our 2005 Syrah features an intense nose of exotic spice and fresh game, however with time, the aromas develop into a perfume of delicate floral and dark berries. Around a core of supple, but powerfully textured tannins, the wine flows thru an array of complex flavors. From lavender to blackcurrant, the profound and concentrated flavors drift seamlessly into a balanced, long finish. This wine is what we've come to know as a classic cool-climate Hyde Vineyard Syrah. Aging until February of 2008 will give it time to re-emerge from its bottling. Reminiscent of the 2004 Syrah, this new vintage will shine when paired with meat on the grill during the 2008 summer. Bottles that survive next year's grilling season should gain in elegance over the next decade. The 2005 HdV Syrah currently favors decanting an hour before serving. It should continue to improve for another six to twelve years.

-- Stéphane Vivier, Winemaker, HdV Wines