Fall Release Eddie's Patch Syrah
2014

Winemaker’s Notes

Less overtly fruity than Jack Robert’s Run, slower to open and overall a very different expression of Syrah. This is another wine of site and soil rather than Californian sun-filled fruit – so ultimately a far more complex experience than 99% of domestic Syrah. The deep red, iron-rich, highly-eroded mountain soils bring a rarely-matched complexity to this wine, but one that typifies many of the world’s greatest red wine vineyards. We don’t fully understand the reason, but the high iron oxide content allows for very special red grapes, full of complex terroir signatures. The shallow, steep hillside soils, also high in silica/quartz, contribute admirable freshness to the wine, so that while it’s dense, deep and rich, it’s never clumsy or overbearing, and the moderate alcohol level (14.34%) is easily held in check. You can age this vintage for many years and it will always give pleasure. The balsamic reduction notes will become more prominent with age as the fresh fruit fades, but this is a beautifully constructed Syrah and one of our finest ever Eddie’s Patch offerings. In my mind on a par quality-wise with the gorgeous 2009.

Deep blueberry, blackberry and dark cherry fruit with bay laurel, pine needle, menthol and a resonant balsamic note. The aromas directly translate to flavors. Wintergreen complexity, charcoal and a strong volcanic iron quality. Dark core of rich, full fruit. Walnut sweetness with dried herb freshness. Weighty and concentrated but wonderfully energetic. Plum skin tanginess on the mouth filling finish.

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner