John Kongsgaard selected Hudson Syrah, the epitome of cool Syrah. Parker says it is "the best Syrah in California, reminiscent of Northern Rhone, Cote Rotie and Hermitage." Secondary aromas include cigar, bitter chocolate, leather, pepper, clove, charcoal and moist black earth. The tannins are soft, and the aftertaste is long and gentle. It has a tight and tight tension and a rich, full-bodied fruitiness.
John Kongsgaard refines Hudson Vineyards Syrah, the epitome of cool climate Syrah
This is a special plot (0.8ha) of Hudson Ranch (Vineyards) in Carneros, with very cool and complex volcanic soils. We have custom-made special cultivation for Kongsgaard. Napa Valley's best cool Syrah is unique and complex, with various spice aromas. Production volume is about 300-400 cases.
Hudson Vineyards' owners Lee Hudson and John Kongsgaard have known each other since they were students at UC Davis. When John was Newton's winemaker, he was the first to pay for low-yield grapes by contract and area, rather than buying grapes by weight, as is now commonly said. In fact, during the Newton era, he reduced the yield from 5 tons/acre to 2.5 tons. Even now, he purchases grapes on a custom-made basis, after detailed discussions for each vintage. This method has had a major influence on Hudson Vineyards' contracts with many other winemakers, and is also linked to Hudson Vineyards' current reputation.
Lewis, Arietta, Torr (Rock Syrah), and Bedrock's Morgan Peterson all produce top-rated Syrah, and Hudson Vineyards has released a Syrah of its own.
Napa Valley is cooler in the south, which is more affected by the mist and cold air from the cold San Pablo Bay, and warmer as you go deeper and further north into the valley. The Syrah grown in Carneros, known for its cool climate, has a different character from the Syrah grown in North Napa and Paso Robles, which are like fruit bombs, and also from the Syrah grown in Santa Barbara. The yield from the south-facing slopes of Hudson Vineyard is 2.5 tons/acre (40hl/ha), the right amount for a premium wine. The tightly concentrated fruit is not sweet, but rather has dense tannins, which create nuances of spiciness, herbs and pepper. Another major feature is the excellent acidity that tightens the whole.
John Kongsgaard's comments on the 2012 vintage
Kongsgaard's wines in general are a vintage that fully expresses what Napa Valley wines should be like. They are concentrated, yet have a wonderful balance of acidity, fruit, and alcohol. This was certain from the time of harvest, before the wine was finished. The wine continued to evolve in the barrel, and the finished wine blossomed magnificently.
Robert Parker highly praised it, saying, "It's the best Syrah in California. The 2012 vintage is particularly amazing, rich, full-bodied, and full of various elements. It combines the good qualities of Rhone Syrah, which is tough and intelligent, with the good qualities of New World Syrah, which is ripe and seductively supple." In addition, it contains the aroma of the unique umami of wild game meat, the flavor of charcoal grill, and nuances of black pepper. It goes well with game, red meat, and venison, along with umami sauces.
Vintage: 2012
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Syrah
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Nested AVAs, etc.: Los Carneros
Vineyard: Hudson Vineyards
Notes: Limited edition, limited quantity, Parker Point 99 (Wine Advocate #215, Oct. 2014)
Winemaker: John Kongsgaard
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.1%