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 2013 vintage
When nature provides the best conditions, the concentration of each vineyard and each variety beautifully expresses its individual characteristics. The natural yeasts express the characteristics of each vineyard in a fragrant and rich way, naturally creating a wine that is characteristic of Kongsgaard. When Robert Parker tasted the 2013 vintage, he described Kongsgaard as "overflowing with liquid jewels."
Robert Parker states, "No other Syrah anywhere near the Rhône region of France or the Carneros region of California offers the same compositional structure - roasted aromas, smoked duck, black berries and fragrant spring flowers."
In addition, it has the aroma of wild game meat, charcoal grill flavor, black pepper, and mineral nuances. It goes well with game, red meat, and venison in savory sauces.
Vintage: 2013
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 98P (Wine Advocate #222 Dec. 2015)
Winemaker: John Kongsgaard
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.1%