Fall Release Hoppe-Kelly Vineyard Eddie's Patch Syrah
2012

Winemaker’s Notes

Our 2012 Eddie’s Patch is one for the ages. It ranks alongside (maybe even ahead of?) the finest vintages such as 2000, ’06, ’09 and 2010. It’s very classic in its high level of aromatic and flavor detail. It overflows with nuance and intriguing cool season savory character, alongside the natural fruit richness we expect from this wonderfully expressive hillside vineyard. At all times the wine has this overriding sense of crystalline purity even when its chewy core of black fruits is front and center. And its high level of tense mineral character means that the wine’s natural energy is a main feature. There’s a dynamic thread of livewire focus that courses through the wine that makes it so compelling. There’s no problem aging this wine for ten to twelve years. I can only imagine how complex it will taste then. A stunning, soulful wine and one of our best ever efforts from this vineyard.

Aromatically penetrating, really fills the senses. Wild floral scents, soy, leather, graphite and bacon fat. Then waves of fruit – blackberry, cassis, some hi-tone cola elements. Very mineral and energetic wine. Pure, focused, long and penetrating palate, no excess sweetness or heaviness. Cassis liqueur, sage and rosemary complexity, black pepper. Strong mid-palate with lingering depth and generous yet polished tannic structure. Decant in its youth and drink between mid-2015 and 2027.

Andy Smith