WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
The 2021 PlumpJack Syrah is not a shy wine. The nose boasts aromatics of raspberry, cherry, blueberry, boysenberry, and plum. Intermingling with the fruit are the classic cool-climate Syrah notes—white pepper, dried herb, and smoked meats. Layered within these flavors is a unique green peppercorn element, deriving from whole-cluster fermented Syrah. The palate is packed with similar flavors and delivers a silky texture with great weight and concentration, firm tannin, and an enduring finish. This wine is simply delicious.
TASTING NOTES:
Blackberries, bay leaf, smoked game, bacon fat, and violet notes all emerge from the 2021 Syrah, a medium to full-bodied, concentrated Syrah from this team that has beautiful balance, fine tannins, and a great finish. The purity here is brilliant, and while the focus of this estate is clearly their Cabernet Sauvignon, they make a fabulous Syrah that's well worth seeking out. Drink bottles over the coming decade.
- Jeb Dunnuck, 95 pts.
Plumpjack's 2021 Syrah is sourced largely from Carneros, with about a fifth of the blend coming from Atlas Peak. A portion (20% to 25%) was fermented as whole clusters in open-top fermenters. Fabulously wild and complex aromas of cracked pepper, asphalt, hints of roasted meat and black olives, mint, blueberries and blackberries all appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate boasts soft, cocoa powder-like tannins and an enticing touch of licorice on the finish. This is concentrated yet supple, rich while being very drinkable. The bargain in the Plumpjack lineup, it underscores how well Syrah can perform in certain parts of Napa. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 pts.
