Navarro Vineyards - 2017 Syrah

2017 Syrah
Mendocino
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Home schooling

Syrah is a primary grape variety in the Rhône and has probably been grown there since Roman times. Research at the University of California at Davis and the University in Montpellier proved Syrah to be a genetic cross of two obscure varieties, Mondeuse Blanc and Dureza; all three of these varieties are indigenous to France. In the Rhône, Syrah was traditionally co-fermented with a modest proportion of Viognier (white) grapes to perfume and lighten the blend. Today most of the red winemaking is committed to producing massive wines frequently aged in new barrels and priced accordingly.

Aaron and Sarah practicing punchdowns in 1989.

Sarah is an important part of our morning staff tasting where we evaluate possible blends. It's hard to believe, but 2020 will be Sarah's 16th harvest at Navarro as a Davis-trained winemaker—although she "worked" at the winery for many years before graduate school.

Navarro's style is definitely not massive, and although we've never tried co-fermenting Syrah with Viognier, our winemaking regimes result in a wine that is perhaps more like old-time Syrah: the grapes are destemmed and punched down by hand twice daily to keep the tannins rounded, then pressed when the alcohol reaches 12% to avoid harsh seed tannins. Richly textured with flavors of boysenberry and black cherry mingled with notes of pepper, coffee and mint. Gold Medal winner.

Specifications

Harvested: Sept. 15, 2017
Sugars at harvest: 25.8° Brix
Bottled: Aug. 14, 2018
Cases produced: 373
Alcohol: 13.5%
Titratable acidity: 5.4 g/L
pH: 3.84

2013 Syrah, Mendocino

The 2013 Syrah ($27) is good, with a strong note of cherry and a bit of chocolate. .- Anne Valdespino, The Orange County7 Register, April 5, 2016

2009 Syrah, Mendocino

This dark ruby colored Syrah opens with a mild pomegranate bouquet with a hint of black raspberry and gentle oak. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and savory. The flavor profile is gentle plum with notes of mild minerality and faint old oak. I also detected a hint of black pepper and spice. The finish is dry and its mild tannins are friendly and linger nicely. This Syrah would be perfect with a Kobe bacon burger with sauteed mushrooms. Enjoy – KenKen Hoggin, www.KensWineGuide.com, March 16, 2013.

2006 Syrah, Mendocino

Has a nose of blackberry, soft pepper, light earth, and dried plum all accented with a sweet note. All continue as juicy flavors with the additions of baked Montmorency cherry and a hint of oak plus light, fine, dry tannin. The finish is medium-long and medium-broad. The wine is medium bodied and well structured, integrated, and balanced. Good. Harold Baer, www.haroldbaerwine.com, February 8, 2011.

Tight and well structured, delivering a reigned in mix of tar, dried berry, anise and mineral. Gains depth and complexity with tannins that give this traction. Drink now through 2017. - James Laube, Wine Spectator , March 31, 2010.

2004 Syrah, Mendocino

Huckleberry and cranberry dominate the fruity notes in this syrah. Good acidity... I think this wine will continue to develop, though. - Good Wines Under $20, October 12, 2007.

1996 Syrah, Mendocino

Very dark color; fragrant, gamey, licorice, spicy light pepperminty, black cherry with some toasty oak nose. Fairly rich and long. Needs 2-5 yrs age. Interesting wine. - Tom Hill, Los Olivos Wine & Spirits, March 22, 2000.

1995 Syrah, Mendocino

Of the eight Syrahs (entered in the Mendocino County fair), we awarded three bronze medals, two silvers and a gold medal, which went to Navarro Vineyards' first effort in this varietal, a stunning 1995 Syrah made from grapes harvested at the Scharffenberger family's Eaglepoint Ranch in inland Mendocino County near Ukiah. It won't be released until next March, but even now offers a complex, fragrant, appealing nose of plumy black fruits, leather, mint, raw red meat and vanilla, reminiscent of the finest Syrahs from the northern Rhone. The palate is silky with broad, deep, generous flavors that replicate the nose. - Steve Picher, Vintner's Choice, "Syrah Grows Brighter", 2001.

Highly recommended. Solid ruby. A little reduced from recent bottling, but surely very typical Syrah in a St. Joseph, supple style. Lots of sweet blackberry flavors, with a light peppery undertone. Hints of anise. Rich fruit and soft tannins, well-balanced finish. - The Wine Authority, November 1998.

From its Eaglepoint vineyards, Lonetree also sells Syrah to Navarro, which made a beauty in 1995. - Norm Roby, The Wine News, "Rhone Winemaking with Attitude", August/September 1998.