The first tastes of SonkinCellars Syrah

Our first Barrel Sample

Henry Peyrebrune, our friend, neighbor, and Cleveland Orchestra bass player did not know how lucky he was about to be.  He telephoned asking me if he could stop by (he needed a favor) and I said yes.  His timing was fortuitous as I was having my investors and co-partners over for the very first tasting ever of what I believe will eventually be our final blend of the 2009 SonkinCellars Syrah.  It won’t be released until the spring of 2011. 

The truth is, I had put together a quick blend at the winery for my personal tasting, but that wine included Whitehawk fruit that had just barely finished malolactic fermentation and Alder Springs fruit that had just been pressed.  Tonight, this wine, while still incredibly young, was a bit more representative.  Moreover, it was a chance to get someone else’s impressions.  I poured the wine for my 5 partners and awaited their reactions.  First, each part separately, and then together as a whole “finished” wine.  I am not sure if they were more relieved at first, but then it hit all of us.  This wine rocked! 

Yeah, I know we are biased.  I get that, but still, I try to be objective.  After all, my name is on the label.  So when Henry came by, I was anxious to give him a taste from my glass.  Henry knows wine fairly well.  So, when instead of handing me my glass back, he hung around until it was emptied, I took that as a compliment.  Luckily, I had a bit more.  Here is a picture of Henry enjoying the wine.  Note how the color stains the glass. 

Henry seems quite pleased with his luck!

I scored this wine 91 points.  Actually an 89 to 92 range. This was our first sample at what I think will be the final cuvee. Dark purple in color, shimmering bright. The nose has black raspberries, grilled meats, raspberries and some pepper. Full bodied. Lots of fruit with enough structure. Excellent backbone of acidity. Straddles Cote-Rotie and Paso Robles Syrah. This will carry a California Appellation due to the blending of vineyards from North and South. DISCLAIMER- This is my wine and I may be biased (I try not to be).  It is very young and won't be released until spring of 2011, but I really think this will be outstanding.

I am hopeful that it will get even better from here.