DuMOL 2022 Syrah Wild Mountainside, Russian River Valley 94 Points

Winemaker Notes: “I love the seamlessness of our new vintage of Wild Mountainside Syrah. The fruit expression is classic Pacific-influenced cool climate – violet, black pepper, and snappy dark fruits. The wine’s structure folds into the fruit extract so that the overall balance is graceful and elegant – there are no rustic hard edges here. There’s not much Syrah grown “out west”, and it plays an obvious second fiddle to Pinot Noir, but make no mistake, the best vineyards and expressions are world-class with room to spare. One-half of the wine was harvested prior to the vintage’s heat event while the balance, close to the ocean, waited it out. So we have richness and freshness in equal measure. A compelling wine and a great follow-up to the brilliant 2021.  Deep inky dark fruit aromas alongside gravelly minerals, violet, and Kalamata. The palate flavors follow the aromas with a sweet core of blackberry pastille wrapped up in a coating of cocoa nib and cassis liqueur. The wine is quite densely packed with clear deep intensity before turning silky and graceful on an elegant lavender-infused finish. Drink between late 2024 and 2032. ”

Vinous 96 Points (2021): “The 2021 Syrah Wild Mountainside is fabulous.  Inky, deep, and explosive, the 2021 possesses tremendous concentration from start to finish. Blackberry, chocolate, spice, sage, menthol, and gravel all run through this deep, savory Syrah.  All the elements come together so effortlessly.”

Robert Parker 94 Points (2022): “The 2022 Syrah Wild Mountainside comes from two vineyards harvested on September 6 and September 15. It was fermented with a large proportion of whole clusters and matured in around 10% to 15% new oak. The nose is bursting with detailed, expressive aromas of blueberry, black cherry, bacon fat, woodsmoke and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate is expertly restrained in terms of ripeness, with a pleasing touch of crunch to its fruit. It’s structured by powdery tannins and mouthwatering acidity and has a long, expressive finish. “