2010 Wind Gap Syrah Armagh Vineyard
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The darker, richer side of Syrah comes across in the 2010 Syrah Armagh Vineyard. Black fruits, tobacco, licorice, game and smoke burst from the glass. The Armagh is much deeper and richer than the straight Syrah. Although totally different in style, it, too, is fabulous. Layers of fruit continue to build all the way through the intense, palate staining finish. Mahle used 100% whole clusters. The 2010 spent 16 months in neutral French oak. In my view the Armagh is the most essential of these new releases from Wind Gap.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
(100% whole clusters; raised completely in neutral French oak): Glass-staining purple. Deeply pitched aromas of cherry-cola, cassis, candied licorice and fruitcake, with a smoky topnote. Fleshy and alluringly sweet, offering concentrated dark berry compote and violet pastille flavors lifted by spicy notes. Shows impressive power on a finish that clings with a sexy floral quality.
The darker, richer side of Syrah comes across in the 2010 Syrah Armagh Vineyard. Black fruits, tobacco, licorice, game and smoke burst from the glass. The Armagh is much deeper and richer than the straight Syrah. Although totally different in style, it, too, is fabulous. Layers of fruit continue to build all the way through to the intense, palate-staining finish. Mahle used 100% whole clusters. The 2010 spent 16 months in neutral French oak. In my view, the Armagh is the most essential of these new releases from Wind Gap. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. This is another exciting, captivating set of wines from Wind Gap and Pax Mahle. Readers who have not yet discovered Wind Gap owe it to themselves to do so. These are some of the most gorgeous, nuanced wines being made in California today. Mahle continues to experiment with concrete and larger casks, both of which seem ideally suited to a minimalist approach that seeks to draw out the maximum expression of each of these sites. The Wind Gap wines achieve that elusive balance of depth without excess heaviness. Once again, I was deeply impressed with the range I tasted and can't recommend these wines highly enough. Tel. (707) 887-9100
Similarly styled aromatically, yet noticeably richer and more concentrated, the 2010 Armagh Vineyard is a beauty! A blend of 100% Syrah that was fermented 100% whole cluster and aged 18 months in neutral oak, it offers knockout aromatics of deep black raspberry, olive, wild herbs, and cracked pepper to go with a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, rich, and structured palate. Very fresh, yet also with plenty of heft and depth, this gorgeously put together Syrah should be enjoyed over the coming decade.