Amista Syrah Dry Creek Valley 2014 | Hermitage-like richness
Amista Syrah Dry Creek Valley 2014 displays ruby/garnet in color. Enticing aromas of blackberry, violets, leather, moss, and wild game. While Hermitage-like tannins are chewy and ripe, surrounding a rich core of blueberry, blackberry, dried herbs, and cracked pepper. Also, maturation in partial new French oak has imparted a broad mid-palate and integrated notes of spice. Drink now-2020. Winemaker Ashley Herzberg
Winery | The Amista Syrah Dry Creek Valley 2014 is stunning. Aromas of rose petal, orange blossom, dried currant and fig jam waft from the glass. In addition on the palate, layers of fruit abound ripe strawberry, bing cherry, and hints of rich blackberry. While big chalky tannins are offset with a velvety mouthfeel. Yet the balanced and bright acidity keeps you coming back for more. Most of all, Syrah is one of my favorite food pairing wines and this vintage is no exception. Try with pork tenderloin and roasted fig chutney.
Amista Vineyards
While every winemaker seems to claim a unique story about entering the wine business. But it’s safe to say that none have done it exactly like Mike Farrow. The chemist planted 150 Cabernet Sauvignon vines at his home in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains back in 1994. And then vinified his first vintage in his garage. But not long after crush, Mike accepted a job offer in New Jersey. Never ones to get their priorities mixed up, he and his wife Vicky lugged their precious first vintage—just one barrel of Cabernet—across the country, to complete élevage in their basement in the Garden State.
Fortunately, Farrow hopped on a more traditional path in 1999 when they realized their two-decade dream of owning a winery in Sonoma County. So after purchasing a 20-acre vineyard near Healdsburg, they promptly pulled up eight acres of Chardonnay vines. But not for Zinfandel, as Dry Creek Valley conventional wisdom would dictate, but to make room for Syrah. While the Farrows not only loved Rhône varieties but also believed they could thrive in the hot days and fog-cooled nights of Dry Creek Valley.
Winemaker Ashley Herzberg
While graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Chemical Engineering and the intention to go to medical school. Rather, then going to Sonoma County to work a harvest in a winery lab. Yet, one harvest quickly turned into an all-encompassing passion. And the love of winemaking becoming a passion with all the science, art, chemistry, engineering and fun behind it!
Staying true to that style, Winemaker Ashley Herzberg applies a light oak touch by aging the Syrah in mostly neutral French oak. As a result, mellowing the wine and imparting very gentle spice and vanilla notes. Rather, a true garagiste wine from an impeccable location.