November 8, 2015 - Mystery wine in a decanter. Color deep garnet with purplish edges. No signs of age. On the nose there was no doubt that this was Syrah. It had all those desirable aromas. On the palate this has significant structure but all polished. I was guessing northern rhone from 2000s, Anyway point is that this is showing much younger than I expected. I did get some reductive notes here and there which should have helped me place it but I haven't had a havens wine in years. Reminded me that I should try to scare some up before what is left disappears. Thanks mike!
January 14, 2015 - On the first night - very Californian, ripe but well balanced with robust dark fruits and fresh acidity. Very tasty, but tough to identify as syrah. On the second night, the fruit is less ripe and obvious and some distinct syrah notes (mostly black olives) appear. A touch disjointed though. Overall, this is a very good effort - impressively robust at this stage of its life - curious how it would develop with more age.
December 26, 2014 - Big, and oh so balanced and beautiful. Delicious without food. A joyous wine, 15 years old and, of full fruited American syrahs, the Hudson vineyard is not to be missed. Just know what you're getting. I miss you, Mike Havens.
March 8, 2014 - Just a terrific Syrah, still drinking beautifully. Balanced.
June 27, 2012 - Outstanding hudson vineyard. Drinking beautifully.
June 19, 2012 - 92+. terrific, like a northern rhone. Comparable: Eric Chavez in the early 2000s.
September 2, 2011 - Filling in w/the Friday Brown Bag Group (Rich & Dana's): Garnet color. Opens with a nice meaty note, joined by dark fruit and herbal notes. Nice balance, with flavors of red fruit and herbs, with a nice meaty undertone. Guessed Syrah.
December 30, 2009 - Color: Medium purple
Nose: Wow with vibrant cherry, minerals, floral and smoke aroma
Taste: Violets, cinnamon, spices, smoke and cherry
Finish: Medium and has a nice floral character
Evaluation: Not bad for sampling it in 09 89 points
November 13, 2009 - This has come around nicely and is drinking very well right now. Good fruit and balance.
June 8, 2008 - Trip to Boston; 6/4/2008-6/9/2008: floral notes, very ripe and rather young tasting. rich wine, not my style but well made.