Wine Spectator 91 points: "Ripe and fleshy, with zingy acidity behind a chewy mouthful of blackberry, cherry and white pepper flavors, shaded with a gentle touch of spicy oak on the long, vibrant finish. Best from 2006 through 2012. 1,087 cases made." (HS)
This Seven Hill Vineyard Estate Syrah was harvested ultra-ripe, with jammy dark plum, dense blackberry, and elegant meaty flavors. Loaded with perfumed spice, this wine is packed with concentration and unrelenting intensity. Highly recommended.
2001 vintage received 92 points from Wine Spectator
2001 received "Best of Show" out of 700+ Northwest wines- NW Wine Summit 2003. 91 points from Wine & Spirits: "a beam of blue light".
Detailed Info, Previous Vintage Notes, Reviews:
From the winery: "This Estate Syrah is a blend of three different blocks of Syrah from Seven Hills Vineyard. Planted with the Phelps clone, each block contributes unique characteristics from this site aspect B11 (west), B26 (north), and B27 (south terrace). L'Ecole No 41 is a partner in the 150-acre vineyard expansion at Seven Hills Vineyard along with Pepper Bridge Winery and Leonetti Cellars"
"The single word descriptor for the 2002 vintage is "consistency". A mild spring led into near ideal fruit set in June. Warm temperatures remained consistent throughout July and August, without any adverse heat. As a result, veraison came on earlier than expected based on heat units, and we plunged into harvest in early September. We processed about half of our total production in the two weeks starting September 7th. Milder temperatures slowed the remaining harvest, with some varieties hanging on until the last week of October."
Wine Spectator says of the 2001 vintage: "This is becoming a perennial favorite. The lively acidity of this racy, wild, generous and juicy Syrah balances the raucoud blackberry, plum and whiff of mineral and gamey character that wafts through the long, aromatic finish. Tannins are subdued, and it all holds together nicely. Drink now through 2010. H.S."
