A row of barrels in the Relic cave.

2013 Scarpa Syrah

2013 is the third year our Syrah has come from the wonderful Phoenix Ranch just north of the Coombsville AVA in Napa Valley. This biodynamically-farmed site yields some of the most spicy, complex, aromatic Syrah in the valley. In the lush vintage of 2013, we included whole clusters for the first time, and the result is a dense, structured, highly complex wine. Aromas of black pepper, rosemary, blackberry syrup, orange rind, black olive, raspberry and brambly blackberry are pronounced and effusive. The palate is refined and smooth with a kick of a finish and tons of staying power. Not for the faint of heart, yet so much fun for the adventurous!

  • 100% Syrah
  • 100% Phoenix Ranch
  • Clones: Syrah Noir and Estrella River, planted in tufa
  • Farmed biodynamically
  • Aged in 50% new French Oak for 18 months
  • 20% whole cluster fermentation
  • Unfined and unfiltered
  • 82 cases produced from 3 and half barrels

Reviews
The 100% Syrah, the 2013 Syrah Scarpa was aged 18 months in 50% new French oak from the Phoenix Ranch Vineyard in Coombsville. This is a tiny production cuvée. Opaque purple in color, with big, thick blackberry and raspberry notes intermixed with licorice and white flowers, it is full-bodied, opulent and a lusty style of Syrah to drink over the next 7-8 years.
Robert Parker
/
The Wine Advocate #222
/
December 2015
/
91
points