WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
The 2023 PlumpJack Syrah is an expressive and layered wine, showcasing the best of both the Carneros and Atlas Peak vineyards from which this wine is crafted. The nose opens with fresh blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry. Beneath the fruit are the wilder savory notes that make Syrah so exciting—peppercorn, clove, nutmeg, and smoked meats. The oak aging contributes warmth and depth with notes of cocoa, mocha, and Earl Grey tea. The flavors on the palate echo those on the nose—sweet blackberry, cherry, and blueberry, leading to luxuriant notes of cocoa, mocha, caramel, and spice. The palate is full and concentrated with firm yet ripe tannins and juicy acidity that, together, create a stunning Syrah with impeccable balance, vibrant energy, and great length.
Blend: 100% Syrah
TASTING NOTES:
The 2023 Syrah is the bomb. Inky, deep and explosive, the 2023 is seriously impressive. A blast of dark cherry fruit, lavender, licorice, espresso and dried herbs stains the palate. The 22% stems are buried under waves of fruit. This unctuous, full-throttle Syrah has so much to offer.
- Vinous, 97 pts.
This syrah balances densely packed dark fruit with lovely undertones of cured meat, coffee beans, crushed stones, earth and dried herbs. The palate is deeply brooding, with flavors of black currants, mocha, peppercorns and smoke with a hint of minerals. A savory, fruit-driven syrah with a nice nod to the Northern Rhone. Sourced from the cooler appellations of Carneros and Atlas Peak.
- James Suckling, 95 pts.
From Carneros and Atlas Peak, this is rocking stuff, offering juicy blackberry, peppery herbs, game, and California Bay aromatics. Based on 100% Syrah that was 22% whole-cluster fermented and aged 18 months in 60% new French oak, the 2023 Syrah is medium to full-bodied, with a round, layered mouthfeel, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish.
- Jeb Dunnuck, 94 pts.
Roasted herb and peppery beef accents frame this bold and ripe version, with blackberry and plum flavors at the center. Theres a trace of fresh acidity underneath to keep this honest while finishing with robust tannins and hints of green peppercorn. Drink now through 2034. 1,429 cases made.
- Wine Spectator, 92 pts.
