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 of cigar, bitter chocolate, leather, pepper, clove, charcoal, and moist black earth appear. The tannins are soft, and the aftertaste is long and gentle. It has a tight, 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 2018 vintage
The 2018 Syrah is made from a special 1ha plot at Hudson Vineyards in Carneros, where the mineral-rich soil and cool climate near the Gulf Coast allow Syrah's most distinctive aromatic and flavor qualities to shine through. Classic Syrah aromas of black pepper, smoked meat, orange peel, and rose petals emerge, with juicy, lively fruit and silky tannins at its core.
Stephen Tanzer concludes that Kongsgaard's Syrah is "arguably California's greatest single-vineyard Syrah."
Lisa from Wine Advocate was impressed, saying, "It's so spicy!"
Parker Point 97-99+P Wine Advocate End of November 2019 by Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Vintage: 2018
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 97-99+
Winemaker: John Kongsgaard
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.1%