OVID Napa Valley Syrah
Tasting Note
The 2016 vintage was one of relief. Steady rainfall during the early months of the growing season was a welcome reprieve after four years of drought. February continued a new tradition of warm and dry weather, encouraging budbreak to begin a couple weeks earlier than normal. This early advancement slowed down to a relaxed pace as rain returned and drenched the soils before bloom. After slight yields of the previous year, the vines set a normal crop. We rejoiced when the long and sun-saturated summer meted out leisurely days and ample time for meaningful decisions in the vineyard. The last week of August brought a warm finish to the growing season, with harvest beginning a month later and stretching into the second week of October.
The 2016 OVID Syrah exudes aromas of fresh blueberry and blackberry, roasted meats and iron, juxtaposed with rose petal and Madagascan vanilla bean. Burnished tannins frame the round and expansive palate and should grace this wine with a long, compelling life.
Vintage Data
- Appellation:
Napa Valley - Soil Type:
Hambright soil series - Harvest Dates:
September 23-October 11 - pH Level:
3.81 - Alcohol:
14.8% - Aging:
21 months
Anonio Galloni
There is a purity and vibrancy to the fruit that is positively striking.
The 2016 Syrah is a striking wine. Deep, pliant and super-expressive, the 2016 possesses tremendous fruit purity and exceptional balance. Today, the Syrah is quite primary, with only hints of varietal aromatics, but those should develop over time. Here, too, there is a purity and vibrancy to the fruit that is positively striking.