2014 Grand Ciel Syrah

RED MOUNTAIN AVA

The initial aromas of our 2014 Grand Ciel Syrah start off with intense charcuterie, barbecue smoke, and other generous Syrah notes which quickly unlock to orange pith, violets, lavender and thyme.  Dense and savory in the mouth, this vintage offers dark plum, black cherry, licorice and tapenade. Saturated with structure, it will benefit from decanting and offers the promise of remarkable longevity.

October 2017, Review by Stephen Tanzer for Vinous
"(This vineyard is adjacent to Ciel du Cheval; 35% new oak; 3.7 pH): Bright ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of blackberry, blueberry, licorice and menthol verge on porty. Fatter and sweeter than the Signature Syrah; less penetratingly fruity but this chocolatey-rich wine benefits from a captivating note of cardamom and harmonious acidity. The exotic spice character carries through the sweet, very long finish, which features serious but plush tannins. This clone (Entave clone 383) ripens a bit later but retains acidity well, notes Upchurch."

June 2017, Review by Jeb Dunnuck for Robert Parker
"Sporting a deeper, more purple and opaque color than the Signature Syrah, the 2014 Syrah Grand Ciel is a single vineyard cuvee that's 100% Red Mountain Syrah, all from a single clone, aged in barrel. It offers impressive notes of black fruits, espresso roast, cured meats and tapenade. These flow to a full-bodied, nicely concentrated Syrah that's nicely balanced, has good mid-palate density, plenty of texture and a good, yet surprisingly short finish for this cuvee. It's enjoyable today, yet I'd hold bottles for a year or two and hope it develops more length."