Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
Alcohol 14.2 %
Tasted 2015-08-05
Deep dark cherry red with some light rims. Dark, ripe fruits. Blackberries and black currants paired with sour cherries. In addition a touch of leather. Earthy. Rich and full bodied. The sour cherries are clearly dominating. Tannins are still present, but well integrated and smooth. Medium to long finish with a nice sour and refreshing final. Vibrant - and very pleasant!
Regusci Winery is located in the Stags Leap District at the Silverado Trail directly besides Stags Leap Wine Cellars. I prefer the Silverado Trail to the St. Helena Hwy. It is not so overcrowded and usually the tasting room people are a "little bit" more interested in their vistors - just as at Regusci.
I visited the tasting room in spring this year. The visit was not planned; my wife and I drove down the Silverado Trail and thought it would be a good idea to stop. Totally in contradiction to our visits in this area since ten years. This time a very good decision. Cozy ambience, friendly and competent people, outstanding wines. I bought in total six bottles...
The history of the Regusci Winery is a typical West Coast Story. The family is present in the area since 1932 when Gaetano Regusci bought the nearly 300 acre big estate in Stags Leap District. Gaetano was a farmer, not a winemaker. Of course he prepared some homemade wine, but this was only one part of the whole farm business. Gaetano's son Angelo planted then some Bordeaux varietals in the 1960s but it was the next generation - Angelo's son Jim - who established 1996 Regusci Winery.
Regusci Winery is not very well present in the databases of the wine popes. But I want to cite Mr. Robert M. Parker: "I rarely see these wines, but I have consistently enjoyed them when I have had them at restaurants or at a random tasting." (2006 Patriarch Proprietary Red - the Bordeaux blend of Regusci). Really true for the 2009 Syrah, but also for all others I tasted during my visit. Besides the 2009 Syrah I bought the 2012 Chardonnay Mary's Cuvée and the 2011 Patriarch - both still lying in my wine cellar. By the way: The Chardonnay Mary's Cuvée is not typical for Napa Valley. More mineralic, European style - but that is just an aside.
In the meantime the Syrah develops more peppery notes. This extends the finish and the flavours become more complex. Great. The wine is just at the beginning. It will be on the top in two years and will hold this quality for another three years.
I'm looking all the time for perfect partners for my pulled pork BBQ. This buddy is a perfect candidate.
Wednesday, August 5. 2015
2009 Regusci Winery Syrah (91/100)
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