Hayne Vineyard Petite Syrah

14.3% alc.
Great potential and 93+ at this early stage.

Planted in 1953 by Otty Hayne while he was home from college, along with his father. The vines are all head-trained, dry-farmed and organic. Turley has made their Hayne Vineyard Petite Syrah since 1993. Opening this was borderline infanticide, but it was my first Turley Petite Syrah. A massive beast, but the black and blue fruit is high-toned, and accompanied by an almost Mad Max inspired collection of secondary notes, including iron, graphite, scorched earth, and burning wood that are only reinforced by the strength of the tannin. However, lavender pastille is cleverly woven throughout and should move to the front of the stage over time, avoiding complete dystopia.

Pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving turkey

2020 is a strange year and my experience with this still young Petite Syrah fit that trend. Normally, I’d expect a big wine with decades of cellar potential like this one to be reserved at first and then open with air, especially when opened this early in its lifecycle. This one came out on the first sip like gangbusters — perfumed, tons of dark berries and currants, lavender and minerality with surprisingly soft tannins. Wow! But instead of opening up even more, it gradually disappeared and lost much of it character — from outstanding to good in the course of a dinner. Still looking forward to checking in on it — or having my kids do so — 10, 20 and even 40 years from now

Smoothed out with age and drinking very well right now. No rough edges at all. Smooth black and blue fruits with dried herbs, and charcoal.

Dark. Tangy. Black fruit. Olive. Tanine. Black pepper.

Wow so elegant and smooth and yet massive all at the same time. Drinking well right now, pnp

Big strong Syrah. Turkey pulls another winner. Opens up wiretap little time. Can last for years.

Incredibly refined for a wine of this depth. Opens beautifully with time.

Supple. Strawberry and leather. Amaze-balls.