2010 Syrah

2010 Syrah

Up here at Pride Mountain Vineyards, we have some passionate fans of syrah as a grape varietal, including both Steve Pride and myself. For us, the 2010 offering displays all of the characteristics of this mercurial grape at its best. The wine reveals exotic aromas of lilac, plum, boysenberry and cardamom, along with a dose of meatiness and butcher-block flavors. On the palate, a silky and supple texture is balanced by just enough tannin structure to affirm the wine's mountain pedigree. The blend includes our core Quartz Hill and Plateau blocks, which are planted to syrah clones 3, 5, 7 and Noir, as well as a new, small parcel of Alban clone which we call Red House. The syrah was cofermented with 1% viognier grape clusters that were gently pressed but not destemmed prior to blending with the syrah. We are excited by the results and think that you will be too.

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Appellation: Sonoma County
Vintage: 2010
Harvest: October 2010
Fermentation: Stainless Steel
Cooperage: French Oak
Blend: 99% Syrah
1% Viognier
Alcohol: 14.8%
Bottling: September 2013
Production: 886 cases
Release Date: May 2012
Release Price: $60.00

Reviews

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  • Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: May/June #168 - Rating: 90

    ($60) (15% alcohol, from vines picked into November; fermented with 2% viognier skins; fermented in stainless steel and aged for 16 months in neutral French oak):  Good bright medium ruby.  Pungent, nuanced nose combines blueberry, dark raspberry, pepper, spice, licorice and iodine, plus a suggestion of garrigue that reminded me of Mediterranean France.  Then subtly fruity, perfumed and classically dry in the mouth, with mellow blackberry and licorice flavors showing none of the animal side of the variety.  Finishes with a firm dusting of tannins and a touch of austerity.  Very promising syrah.

  • The Wine Advocate, Web Only 2013: Web Only 2013 - Rating: 91

    Rich and extracted, with intense beefy dark berry and savory herb flavors that will surely reward cellaring. Tempting now, but the tannins hold you at arm's length. Best from 2013 through 2023. 886 cases made. –JL

  • The Wine Advocate: December 2012 - Rating: 93

    The 2010 Syrah bursts from the glass with sweet dark cherries, licorice, tobacco and menthol. A big, fruit-driven Syrah, the 2010 impresses for its combination of intense fruit and powerful structure. Today the fruit is quite primary, but more expressive varietal notes should develop with time. Sweet, floral notes add a measure of brightness on the finish. Overall, this is an impressive effort. The 2010 was aged in neutral oak. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.

  • Wine Enthusiast: November 2013 - Rating: 92

    A tremendous Syrah, the way Pride makes all their red wines.  The mashed ripe cherries, cherry liqueur and mocha flavors immediately explode, leading to a deep, long-lasting and spicy finish.  With intense mountain concentration and a smattering of sweet, smoky oak, it's best enjoyed soon for its sheer, heady power. - S.H.