Wine Article
2009 Rhys Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard
Last edited on 8/28/2012 by meatman
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2009 Rhys Horseshoe Vineyard Syrah
Growing Syrah is a challenge at Horseshoe, where the cool climate can extend the harvest into November. In 2009, we had the added challenge of negotiating a late season storm that dumped over 8 inches of rain on the still-ripening Syrah! Luckily good weather resumed after the rain and we were able to salvage the crop. The payoff was huge, as we think the 2009 Horseshoe could be our finest Syrah to date. Offering highly concentrated aromas of black pepper, spice, mineral earth and game, the cold climate characteristics of the variety are all on full display here. The palate shows great persistence, with elegant dark berry fruit complementing the spice and game notes. Also present on the palate are the hallmark dark floral and flinty mineral components so intrinsic to Horseshoe. Although it is approachable now, we recommend cellaring for 3-5 more years, and this wine should continue to improve for 5-10 years.
Growing Syrah is a challenge at Horseshoe, where the cool climate can extend the harvest into November. In 2009, we had the added challenge of negotiating a late season storm that dumped over 8 inches of rain on the still-ripening Syrah! Luckily good weather resumed after the rain and we were able to salvage the crop. The payoff was huge, as we think the 2009 Horseshoe could be our finest Syrah to date. Offering highly concentrated aromas of black pepper, spice, mineral earth and game, the cold climate characteristics of the variety are all on full display here. The palate shows great persistence, with elegant dark berry fruit complementing the spice and game notes. Also present on the palate are the hallmark dark floral and flinty mineral components so intrinsic to Horseshoe. Although it is approachable now, we recommend cellaring for 3-5 more years, and this wine should continue to improve for 5-10 years.