OVID Napa Valley Syrah
Tasting Note
Our Syrah is truly hand-crafted in tiny batches, and our non-interventionist methodology has steadily evolved since we made the first OVID Syrah in 2009. We included a portion of whole clusters in our compact open-top tank to add structure and intrigue. Following spontaneous fermentation, the wine was aged in Burgundian French oak barrels with minimal racking until bottling in June.
Vivacious and brimming with power, the 2019 OVID Syrah exudes dense notes of fresh blueberry and boysenberry, rose petals, tar and licorice root. Bay leaf and molasses lend depth to the aromas and complement the layered and burnished palate. Enchanting and ebullient, this wine will continue to reward for many years to come.
Jeb Dunnuck
Incredible complexity, ripe, silky tannins, and a great finish
A very different wine from the 2018, the 2019 Syrah saw one-third stems as well as aging in a mix of new and used barrels. Classic Syrah notes of blueberries, smoked game, lavender, bay leaf, and bacon fat all emerge on the nose, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with incredible complexity, ripe, silky tannins, and a great finish. This is going to be a thrilling Syrah that readers should snatch up.
96-99 points.
Antonio Galloni
A rush of black cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol gives the 2019 its superb depth and textural resonance.
The 2019 Syrah possesses tremendous density and volume. A rush of black cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol gives the 2019 its superb depth and textural resonance. All the elements are so well put together. In 2019, Austin Peterson blended the Syrah on the earlier side, which certainly seems to have helped in turning out a wine of exquisite beauty and harmony. I can’t wait to see how this ages.
96 points.