John Kongsgaard selected "Hudson Syrah", the epitome of cool Syrah. Parker says, "This is California's best Syrah, 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. Kongsgaard specially requests cultivation to be custom-made. Napa Valley's best cool Syrah is unique and complex, with aromas of various spices. 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 2017 vintage
The 2017 Syrah has a black pepper, smoky, savory meat, orange peel, and rose aromas. This wine is made from a special block of cool volcanic soil of less than 1 hectare by our ally Lee Hudson, and has a firm body with a strong aroma, a smooth mouthfeel, and a long-lasting aftertaste and flavor.
Stephen Tanzer praised it, saying, "Without a doubt, this is one of California's best Syrahs." Wine Advocate said, "It's highly aromatic, bursting with herbs and spices. The tannins are round and lively, and the finish is very long."
Point 97P Wine Advocate End of November 2019 by Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Vintage: 2017
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
Note: Limited edition, limited quantity, Parker Point 97P
Winemaker: John Kongsgaard
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.1%