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2002 Philary Vineyard Syrah
Philary Vineyards located at almost 1000 feet above sea level overlooking the southern part of the Napa Valley. The vineyard consists of two separate blocks, each with 250 Syrah vines. The first block was planted in March 1996. The second block was planted in March 1998.
The planting of each block was a physical challenge created by the unique nature of the property. The combination of extremely rocky soil, steep slopes, uneven terrain and limited physical access precluded the use of any machines or equipment that would typically be used for vineyard preparation and installation. The property dictated that both blocks would have to be established by hand. Thousands of rocks were physically removed to try to clear the vineyard sites for planting which out of necessity was 3 feet between vines and 3 feet between rows (3x3). There was not enough soil existing for planting. Dirt was hand carried in 5-gallon buckets into the vineyard sites. Many rocks were too large to remove and remain in both blocks. As a result, the vine rows could not be made either straight or level.
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| Varietals: |
100% Syrah |
| Appellation: |
Napa Valley |
| Alcohol: |
15.8% |
| Comments: |
Deep, dark and mysterious are only a few of the words one could use to describe this incredibly concentrated wine that has both the aromatic and flavor profile of wild blackberry jam, lavender, smoked game, rosemary, minerals, and olives.
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| Reviews: |
California Grapevine: 90 points
Medium-dark purplish ruby; attractive, forward, intense, jammy, peppery, dark currant and blackberry fruit aroma with notes of charred oak; full body; big, dense, herbal, jammy, viscous, mouth-filling, very concentrated, very ripe blackberry and sweet raspberry fruit flavors with overtones of creamy oak; full tannin; hard finish; lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended.
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Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s The Wine Advocate: 93 points
A big wine, that comes from rocky soils located at a 1.000 foot elevation. Its blue/black color (reminiscent of vintage port) is followed by a bouquet of mountain herbs intermixed with gamey scents intertwined with blackberry, raspberry, and crushed rock-like characteristics. It cuts a wide swath across the palate, revealing a seamless integration of wood, acidity, tannin, and alcohol as well as a blockbuster finish. This exotic beast is surprisingly accessible, but promises to be even better in another 2-3 years. It should last for 10-12+ years.
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James Laube, Wine Spectator: 92 pts
A beefy, spicy, densely flavored style, with stewed plum, wild berry, exotic spices and toasty oak that isn't overdone, but ideally integrated. Shows spicy cola and pretty wood shadings on a finish that soars. Drink now through 2009.
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