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 yrah
has many attributes: big, luscious and framed with masculine tannins. Yet, Syrah can be alluringly balanced with dark fruit and elegant floral aspects. It is not surprising to learn that the French call it "La Syrah" - one of the few feminine varieties. So, think of Syrah as a ballerina who took up kick boxing and has an attitude.
2003 Renard Syrah, Unti Vineyard, Dry Creek, Sonoma
Dry Creek is well known for Zinfandel and this well drained cobbly site produces similar Zin like attributes of ripe, spicy fruit. The diligence of George Unti and his daughter Julie, produce exciting Syrah from a prime location in their lower vineyard. This vintage revealed aromas of blackberry, earth, smoke, and hoisin sauce with a subtle floral note. I find the palate has a lush entry and builds juicy blackberry, plum and Asian spice with a frame work of ripe tannins and well integrated oak. This wine has a surprisingly long finish and the texture feels seamless from start to finish.
157 cases produced
$25 btl / $300 case
100 cases of half btls produced
$14 btl / $168 case
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2004 Renard Syrah, Purisma Mountain, Santa Ynez
In 1998, the Beckman family purchased a hillside site just south of Stolpman vineyards on the eastern border of Santa Ynez, abutting the cooler region of the Santa Rita Hills. I was intrigued by the possibility of a site with a little more sun, but also more wind. I started working with the fruit in 2002. My section was on the very top portion of the highest hill with a southern exposure, and a single oak tree planted in the middle of the rows. The presence of the oak tree alerted me to the advantages of some shade, and in the subsequent years we modified the canopy to shade more of the fruit instead of exposing it to the intense sun. These changes, combined with the Beckman's biodynamic farming, produced an outstanding juxtaposition of cool climate spice and warmer climate dark, juicy berries. But most importantly, the palate gained weight and the tannins became sweeter and far suppler. I feel this is an often overlooked aspect in new world wines which can be pleasing in aroma and flavor profile, and yet they can be seriously lacking in balance, texture, and length of palate. This factor may be the why my wines are often characterized as having a European sensibility.
82 cases produced
$35 btl
2 btl LIMIT
Robert Parker: 92 pts
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2003 Renard Syrah, Cappelli Ranch, El Dorado Foothills
Marco Cappelli was a long time winemaker in the Napa valley who elected to move to the Sierra Foothills to buy a prime vineyard site in Somerset. The vineyard sits on the end of a ridge line at about 3,300 feet elevation with well drained granitic soil reminiscent of the Northern Rhône. In blind tasting, people have assumed this vintage is from the Cornas region of the Rhône.
The vineyard is fairly old and stressed, so the yield is quite small; there were only 100 cases made. Subsequently, it has been replanted in some sections and should come into production by next year.
Marco and I partnered to make this small production, he providing the grapes and I, the winemaking. We trust you enjoy our combined efforts.
100 cases produced
$25 btl / $300 case
Wine & Spirits: 93 pts
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2006 Renard Syrah, Sonoma County
The Sonoma bottling is a combination of experimental lots from Unti Vineyards in Dry Creek and the hillside Kick Ranch in the Rincon Valley. The juxtaposition of these cool and warm climate components were a great compliment to one another. On the nose, the aromatics are of tobacco, red licorice and orange peel. The palate shows off the bright fruit accents and natural berry acidity which are characteristic of Syrah, followed by a broad mid-palate of juicy, dark blackberry and lush plum. A lovely, well-integrated acidity lengthens the finish.
$21 btl / $228 case
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2005 Renard Syrah, Kick Ranch Vineyard, Rincon Valley
The Advocate
Kick Ranch is a hillside vineyard that presents an ideal view of the surrounding area south of Santa Rosa, and the Petaluma gap. This is an important feature in that the frequent fog of this area creates a cool climate ideal for the classic proportions of a true Rhône style Syrah. I have selected this vineyard designate from one of the three different clones I harvest from the site. The Hermitage clone in particular is exceptional in terms of its ability to express Syrah spices and floral elements. The aromatics show an earthy mélange of tar, spice, white pepper, and cassis, while the palate is an expansive impression of rich, dark fruit and exotic spices. A dense and silky texture (more reminiscent of a Cabernet, but still in touch with its feminine side) creates a long, creamy finish – what my wife would describe as, “Yummy!”
About The Advocate:
The vineyard owner, Dick Keenan is a high powered San Francisco lawyer, or advocate. Thus, I make a nod to him and his vineyard with the emblem of the gavel.
330 six packs produced
$35 btl / $210 6-pack
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2006 Renard Syrah, California Blend
The People's wine
As is typical, the 2006 California Syrah has multiple pedigrees and maintains the same desire: make a domestic Syrah that actually tastes like Syrah and not a jelly donut! This wine replaces the French wines from the Rhône that are selling for 20-30 dollars (the exchange rate is killing them). The blend consists of Westerly vineyard in Santa Ynez, Unti vineyard in Dry Creek, along with Ballentine in St. Helena, and I threw in a little Kick Ranch Viognier to pop up the aromatics.
My recent tasting notes indicate my personal bias for the following: aromas of roasted meat, earth, smoke, cassis, cranberry, and dried fruits. The palate is lush, round and bright, with a compelling core of vibrant, straight forward dark fruit and meatiness that screams old world.
When I started making Renard wines in '95 I always wanted to make a value priced wine that many people could enjoy and afford, including myself. This wine achieves that and I hope will make a lot of Syrah believers out there. The problem is I did not make enough!!
322 cases produced and will be gone before you know it
$16 btl / $192 case
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