2013 Ovid Syrah
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Tasting notes
All Syrah from relatively younger vines that was destemmed and aged 20 months in 66% new French oak, the 2013 Syrah has a deep plum hue with an Hermitage-like nose of ripe, peppery blackberries, gamey meats, black olive, iron, and leather. It's full-bodied, has a pure, layered mouthfeel, loads of character, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's in the early stages of its prime drinking window and has another decade or more of evolution ahead. Drink 2025-2040.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
There are only four barrels (100 cases) of the 2013 Syrah, which was planted in 2006. This 100% Syrah displays the meaty, camphor, floral and blackberry character of this varietal and hits the palate with a gush of sweet tannin and opulent, rich, concentrated fruit. It should drink well for the next decade at the minimum.
The last wine in this tasting of 2013s, the Syrah, is equally brilliant and also deeply nuanced. Lavender, sage, mint, licorice and inky fruit form a compelling backdrop of aromas, flavors and textures in a wine that dazzles from the very first taste. Tasted next to the 2012, the 2013 is more varietally expressive and finely-cut, with tons of depth and spectacular balance.
The 2013 Syrah is a dense, potent wine. It shows a bit more aromatic development than the other 2013s in the range. Dark fruit, mocha, leather, tobacco and strong torrefaction notes abound. The oak imprint is also a bit stronger than in the other wines, likely due to a combination of more oak in aging and some barrel-fermented lots.