A row of barrels in the Relic cave.

2019 Scarpa Syrah

The 2019 Scarpa Syrah hails once again from the Cortese Vineyard in Coombsville, farmed lovingly by hand by Dave and Kathy Cortese. This north-facing, extremely rocky volcanic site was planted as early as 1989, which means these vines are in their prime to create extremely concentrated, aromatic Syrahs. The kaleidoscopic nose blasts from the glass with blue and purple fruits, orange rind, violet, bacon fat, white pepper and clove. The presence on the palate is vivid with flavor, giving life to a layered, unctuous texture which expands through the powerful finish. 

  • 100% Syrah
  • 100% from 1989 and 1990’s plantings at Cortese Vineyard in Coombsville
  • Cool climate Napa Syrah
  • Exotically spicy and fruity
  • Alban, Estrella and 174 clones
  • Unfined and unfiltered
  • 111 case production
  • Music Pairing: "Life on Mars?" by David Bowie
Reviews
Ripe blue fruits, peppery herbs, bacon fat, and violet notes emerge from the 2019 Scarpa Syrah Cortese Vineyard, a Northern Rhône look-alike from Napa’s Coombsville AVA that was completely destemmed and brought up in 45% new French oak. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and lively on the palate, it’s gorgeous any way you look at it. Drink bottles over the coming decade.
Jeb Dunnuck
/
JebDunnuck.Com
/
March 10, 2022
/
95
points
A handsome red, rich and stylishly structured, with kirsch and raspberry flavors flanked by pepper beef and garrigue accents as this builds toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2030.
Tim Fish
/
Wine Spectator
/
October 15, 2023
/
94
points
From a north-facing Coombsville site planted to Estrella and Alban selections, Relic's 2019 Syrah Scarpa boasts smoky, herbal, raspberry and cranberry notes on the nose, then more cherries on the medium to full-bodied palate. It's ripe and round but with a juicy streak of mouthwatering acidity and a long, silky finish.
Joe Czerwinski
/
The Wine Advocate
/
May 31, 2022
/
93
points