Benevolent Neglect Syrah 2016 | Sommelier’s Favorite!
One sip at Healdsburg’s 3-Michelin Star Mecca Single Thread Farms was all it took: The Benevolent Neglect Syrah 2016 transported us to mountainsides covered in wild blackberries, garrigue, crushed herbs, and wet stone Its wild bouquet. The palate was ethereal— at once full-bodied, but graceful; remarkably savory yet ripe with blackberry fruit—and we went down a rabbit hole to secure an allocation of this dark, grand cru quality Syrah.
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A colorful red ranging from deep ruby at the core to an electric magenta rim. The nose offers an expressive arrangement led by wildberry bramble, a touch of blackberry, exotic incense, and black pepper. An excellent homage to the Northern Rhône bursting with smoke, fruit, and firm tannins. Incredibly well-balanced, with a long finish. Drink Benevolent Neglect Syrah 2016 Now-2030.
Los Madres Vineyard
Perched on rolling, east-west facing hills on the Sonoma side of Carneros, Las Madres really is a vineyard worth knowing. First, benefiting from the cooling influence of the Pacific. And of course, the rigorous farming practiced by owners Jean Gadiot and John Painter. Syrah from Las Madres has been sought out by heavy hitters like Myriad, Quivet, and Orin Swift “The Prisoner. Thus earning barrels of high scores from critics like Antonio Galloni and Robert Parker.
Benevolent Neglect Syrah 2016 was grown just a few miles away from Single Thread in the chilly Carneros’ Las Madres Vineyard. Called “the To-Kalon of Syrah vineyards,” by Thomas Rivers Brown. Las Madres fruit is renowned for its cool-climate vibrancy, silky elegance, and smokey, peppery complexity. Today is the rare chance to access a Michelin-star bottling and enjoy its silken elegance at home, without the white tablecloth mark-up.
Winemaker Matt Nagy
So, in crafting the Benevolent Neglect Syrah 2016, rising star winemaker Matt Nagy used the lightest possible touch. Not to mention the experience gained under Napa legends Thomas Rivers Brown and Steve Matthiasson. Therefore allowing Las Madres Syrah to come alive in the glass.
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Matt’s take on Las Madres fruit is almost an anti-take. While involving as little intervention as possible in the cellar—thus the name Benevolent Neglect. Hence, using no additives or substitutes allows the vineyard to speak for itself. Therefore showcasing its brilliant floral aromatics, deep blackberry notes, and potent layers of smoke and spice. Most of all, it all makes us wonder, how much longer will our 70 cases last? For now, they’re exclusively available right here!
