The 2005 Syrah Hop Barn Hill (16.5% alcohol) is a very limited cuvee, only 49 cases, hence the limited notes. Bacon fat notes intermixed with blackberry jam and cassis jump from the glass of this smoky, full-throttle, pedal-to-the-metal, inky/purple-colored wine. Drink it over the next 7-10 years.
Kudos to the Martinelli family, one of the great old winemaking families of Northern California. (They also produce exquisite apples as well.)
Previously recommended: 2004 Chardonnay Charles Ranch (91); 2004 Chardonnay Martinelli Road (94); 2004 Chardonnay Woolsey Road (92); 2004 Chardonnay Zio Tony Ranch (89?); 2004 Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge (92); 2004 Pinot Noir Bondi Home Ranch Water Trough Vineyard (89); 2004 Pinot Noir Moonshine Ranch (92); 2004 Pinot Noir Zio Tony Ranch (90); 2004 Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa (93); 2004 Jackass Vineyard (93); 2004 Jackass Hill Vineyard (95)
Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-9463