Our fourth vintage from this Napa Valley Syrah Grand Cru! We love this vineyard for many reasons, not least of which is its joyous, loving owners Brian and Janet Phoenix, who farm it biodynamically; but also, its balance of spice and true Syrah aromatics on a Napa frame. These characteristics often get obliterated by the warm Napa afternoons, but here, in this cool pocket of Napa town just outside of Coombsville, the bay breezes help retain the beautiful fruit and spice. Aromatics of dark fruits, damson plum, black olive, black pepper, lardons, leather and jasmine notes jump from the glass. The palate has the finest tannins and most ethereal texture we’ve yet coaxed from this vineyard and is complex with intense flavors. The finish shows the same balance, with a magic interplay of richness and weightlessness.
One-hundred percent Syrah, the 2014 Scarpa spent 18 months in about 40% new French oak and was produced from the biodynamically farmed vineyard north of Coombsville. This wine has an pleasant, soft, tannic underbelly, attractive, earthy, meaty notes with some spice box, ground pepper, blackberry and cassis. Some camphor also makes an appearance in this plush, hedonistic and lush Syrah. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.
