Myriad Cellars
100% Whole Cluster Las Madres Vineyard Syrah
Carneros, North Coast, California, USA
This was one of the red wines I served for my annual WWC hosting, alongside a 2016 Pellegrin Gamay, 2017 Chacra CyC, and 2015 Force Majeure estate Syrah.
As all wines are tasted blind, I totally get the guesses of Cayuse-like Syrah. The 100% whole cluster use here is undeniably distinct. For the most part, it seems to be a love it or hate it style (I love it). By the time we all got to this, it had been in the glass 1-2hrs. Deep purple, with massive stemmy/green aromatics that hit you in the face. Wintergreen notes, too. On the palate, it’s funky, herbal, spice driven notes wrapped around underripe blackberries and rhubarb. This is a floral, savory, spicy Syrah at 8yrs that seems crazy youthful. Likely hangs in this window for a while. Bravo, Mike Smith.
This was one of the red wines I served for my annual WWC hosting, alongside a 2016 Pellegrin Gamay, 2017 Chacra CyC, and 2015 Force Majeure estate Syrah.
As all wines are tasted blind, I totally get the guesses of Cayuse-like Syrah. The 100% whole cluster use here is undeniably distinct. For the most part, it seems to be a love it or hate it style (I love it). By the time we all got to this, it had been in the glass 1-2hrs. Deep purple, with massive stemmy/green aromatics that hit you in the face. Wintergreen notes, too. On the palate, it’s funky, herbal, spice driven notes wrapped around underripe blackberries and rhubarb. This is a floral, savory, spicy Syrah at 8yrs that seems crazy youthful. Likely hangs in this window for a while. Bravo, Mike Smith.
Made from grapes that we got to foot tread when the came into the winery in Napa. The were freezing cold when they arrived and the whole clusters are sharp, feels like walking on legos but then the cold makes your feet go numb, and then you start sweating from the 45 minute stomp session. It’s quite a surreal feeling and such an incredible experience. This is the first bottle we’ve opened and we popped it for our 10th anniversary. The wine itself is incredible. Dark fruited and plush, fresh yet with hints of garrigue and smoked meats that will further develop with time. Perfectly balanced acid and the 100% WC has already integrated very nicely. Like all of @Mike Smith wines its beautiful now and will be great down the road. This is one we will cherish for years to come.
Made from grapes that we got to foot tread when the came into the winery in Napa. The were freezing cold when they arrived and the whole clusters are sharp, feels like walking on legos but then the cold makes your feet go numb, and then you start sweating from the 45 minute stomp session. It’s quite a surreal feeling and such an incredible experience. This is the first bottle we’ve opened and we popped it for our 10th anniversary. The wine itself is incredible. Dark fruited and plush, fresh yet with hints of garrigue and smoked meats that will further develop with time. Perfectly balanced acid and the 100% WC has already integrated very nicely. Like all of @Mike Smith wines its beautiful now and will be great down the road. This is one we will cherish for years to come.
Jul 26th, 2020Yes it’s fresh and it’s young, but it’s oh so delicious. Syrah with complexity both from the 100% whole cluster and the terroir. It’s smoky yet lush, dripping with fat, yet lifted and never heavy. A dark and tasty young syrah that will likely improve with years in the bottle but I already drank all of mine so 🤷🏻♂️
Yes it’s fresh and it’s young, but it’s oh so delicious. Syrah with complexity both from the 100% whole cluster and the terroir. It’s smoky yet lush, dripping with fat, yet lifted and never heavy. A dark and tasty young syrah that will likely improve with years in the bottle but I already drank all of mine so 🤷🏻♂️
Aug 25th, 2018It drinks way too well this early for a wine that is 100% wc. Those elements don’t seem to compute given how open and inviting this is. The best way I can describe it is “plush”, a classic 90s jam and a great soundtrack for this wine. It’s full throttle and it’s rock on. It also doesn’t have much tannin or much acid so I think these are tatsy wines to enjoy over the next several years.
It drinks way too well this early for a wine that is 100% wc. Those elements don’t seem to compute given how open and inviting this is. The best way I can describe it is “plush”, a classic 90s jam and a great soundtrack for this wine. It’s full throttle and it’s rock on. It also doesn’t have much tannin or much acid so I think these are tatsy wines to enjoy over the next several years.
May 14th, 2018
Popped the cork last night and just getting to it now. Per usual this one's an aromatic beaut. Peppercorn steak, violet, hints of smoke and peppermint. In the mouth, Dark cherry, eucalyptus, olive, smooth tannins, light acid round out the finish. Thanks Mike Smith!
Popped the cork last night and just getting to it now. Per usual this one's an aromatic beaut. Peppercorn steak, violet, hints of smoke and peppermint. In the mouth, Dark cherry, eucalyptus, olive, smooth tannins, light acid round out the finish. Thanks Mike Smith!
Apr 14th, 2017
Really a great wine. Nice fruit and balance. Delicious
Really a great wine. Nice fruit and balance. Delicious
Feb 8th, 2017
Still youthful. Mike is known for cabs but its arguable in my mind as he is just insanely gifted with syrah.
Still youthful. Mike is known for cabs but its arguable in my mind as he is just insanely gifted with syrah.
Jan 11th, 2016