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2018 Top Barrel Syrah

Price: $100.00

DescriptionTasting Notes & Culinary InclinationsAccoladesQty Discounts

Top Barrel Syrah is 100% Amalie Robert Estate grown Syrah. Among our 35 acres of Pinot Noir, we have planted 0.80 acres (1,188 vines to be exact) of Syrah. This bottling is from the single best barrel of Syrah from the vintage - The Top Barrel.

We grow Syrah right along side Pinot Noir, and most of the vineyard work is very similar. The primary difference is that we have to wait until November to harvest. We think it is worth the wait.

Syrah is a very adaptive variety, and much like Pinot Noir, reflects its growing conditions. Syrah is grown in the hottest parts of the southern Hemisphere where it is known as "Shiraz" and a bit farther south into the cool climate of New Zealand as well. The entire west coast of the United States grows Syrah from California, to the warm areas of eastern Washington and now very small plantings in Oregon's Willamette Valley.

However, the birthplace of Syrah seems to be the Northern Rhône Valley. Recent DNA research shows Syrah to be a cross between Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. Both of these varieties are indigenous to France. Syrah is planted from the cool regions of the Northern Rhône where it is bottled as a single varietal, to the tip of the Southern Rhône where it is often blended with other varietals.

Tasting Notes: Infinite red forebodes an impending full frontal lobe immersion. Deliberate and focused olfactory stimulation releases a flood of neurotransmitters generating overwhelming synapse and receptor activity (your brain is sizzling like an isotope). That’s what two and a half years sequestered in a new barrel will do for you. Once you recover from the premature gratification, bring the stemware to your lips and a whole other world is now interacting with your palate environment. Even if you could put the cork back in the bottle, it is a little late for that now.

The palate provides a full cool climate Syrah spectrum, yet is light on its feet at 12.7% alcohol. Riding the razor’s edge of maintaining socially acceptable composure, you are just one neurotransmitter away from ceding control. Finely integrated stem tannins tease and provide a devious juxtaposition to the dominating acidity’s strong deterrent. But just as the moth is drawn to the flame, your next action is a foregone conclusion.

Culinary Inclinations: Seared buffalo ribeye steak seasoned with freshly cracked black pepper and finished with a sprig of rosemary. Accompanied by a side of garlic Brussels sprouts and chopped pancetta sautéed in duck fat with a generous helping of pheasant mousse stuffed morel mushrooms. All topped, as with new fallen snow, by freshly grated 18-month Manchego cheese. Served in front of a raging open-hearth fire.

2014 Top Barrel Syrah

Deep, brilliant violet. Highly perfumed aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, incense and peony are complemented by smoky mineral and exotic spice flourishes. Sweet and seamless in texture, offering densely packed blackberry, blueberry and cherry compote flavors and suggestions of candied flowers, star anise and cola. The floral and mineral notes resonate emphatically on an impressively long, expansive finish gently firmed by discreet tannins.

- Josh Raynolds, Vinous, September 2020 - 94 points

2013 Top Barrel Syrah

Lurid ruby. Pungent, spice-tinged boysenberry, cherry pit and licorice scents are complemented by suggestions of cracked pepper, violet and woodsmoke. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry and dark berry flavors that unfold slowly on the back half. Decidedly lithe, even Pinot-esque compared to its 2012 sibling, featuring good tension and spicy cut on the very long, gently tannic finish.

- Josh Raynolds, Vinous, February 2018 - 92 points

2012 Top Barrel Syrah

Vinous, February 2018 - 94 points. The highest rated Syrah from the Willamette Valley and the first to earn a 94 point review from Vinous

2011 Top Barrel Syrah

Vinous, January 2017 - 91 points

Wine & Spirits Magazine, February 2018 - 91 points, Year's Best US Syrahs

2010 Top Barrel Syrah

The Wine Advocate, March 2015 – 90 points

Qty Discounts

The price of this product varies with the quantity of products ordered in the category "All Wines"

Qty	Unit Price
1 - 0	$100.00
1 +	$100.00

Amalie Robert Estate is open for tastings by appointment.

503.88.CUVEE (28833)

cuvee@amalierobert.com

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2018 Top Barrel Syrah