2018 Plumpjack Syrah Napa Valley
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The 2018 Syrah is just as impressive as it was last year. The 35% whole clusters (high for PlumpJack) adds striking aromatic presence to play off the dark-fleshed fruit. All of the fruit comes from Hudson, one of the top sites in Carneros. This is another stellar wine from PlumpJack and Aaron Miller.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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A ripe, sexy Syrah from the Napa Valley, the 2018 Syrah sports a deep, opaque purple color as well as a powerful bouquet of blue fruits, peppery herbs, spring flower, bouquet garni, and a touch of gaminess. Reminding me of a classic Côte Rôtie (but on steroids), it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, layered textured, gorgeous purity of fruit, and a blockbuster of a finish. This singular, straight-up gorgeous Syrah is going to be prime drinking over the coming 8-10 years, although there's no need to delay gratification.
The 2018 Syrah is a powerhouse. Inky dark fruit and strong varietal notes scream out of the glass. Blackberry jam, dried herbs, licorice, sage, mint, graphite and black pepper all develop with a bit of coaxing. There is a lot of wine here, but a bit of patience is absolutely essential.
Made from 100% Syrah, the 2018 Syrah sports a deep garnet-purple color, sailing out of the glass with scents of dark chocolate, licorice, tar and candied violets over a core of stewed plums and baked blackberries plus a waft of fruitcake. The full-bodied palate delivers mouth-filling, crunchy black fruit flavors with loads of pepper and spice sparks and approachable, rounded tannins, finishing long with a compelling burst of freshness.