2006 Hudson Vineyard Carneros Syrah

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Hudson Vineyard is well known for its Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah, with several producers bottling Hudson Vineyard designates. Despite my long history with Pinot Noir in Carneros, I think Syrah may be the most exciting red variety in the region. 2006 was a long cool vintage, with a very cold spring and a substantial amount of rain early in the year. The Hudson Syrah, because of the cold spring weather, set a much smaller crop than in 2005—about 2.75 tons/acre. I continue to believe in leaving a substantial percentage of whole clusters in the fermentor—this year, it was about half. I like the flesh they add to the palate and the lift they add to the aromas. Only about a quarter of the barrels were new, and some of the wine was aged in 350 liter casks. The 2006 is darker and more brooding than the 2005, which was lively and perfumed, almost Pinot-like. It can be a little tight right after uncorking, but give it a little air, and it opens up nicely, showing the bergamot, black olive and licorice notes that I have come to recognize as typical from this vineyard. I made 209 cases this year.

Tasting Notes pdf

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