Reviews

ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE

Geometry 2015 Syrah, Moaveni Vineyard, Bennett Valley

Rating:91+
Drink Date 2018 – 2026

” The 2015 Syrah Moaveni Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color and gives intense black cherry, black plums and blackberry preserves scents with suggestions of licorice, tar, black pepper and charcuterie. Full-bodied and packed with black fruits and peppery layers, the palate features a firm frame of rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and savory. 200 cases produced. “

Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, June 29, 2018
The Wine Advocate #237

CHRISTOPHER SAWYER, SOMMELIER

Geometry 2014 Syrah, Moaveni Vineyard, Bennett Valley

Rating:95 points

With a long history traced back to the legendary Rhone Valley region of France and newer expansions in America and the Southern Hemisphere, Syrah is a noble red grape known for producing world-class wines with complex flavors, spicy nuances and lavish texture, as well as its rare ability to grow in hot and cool climate conditions.

For a delicious offering from the West Coast, try the Geometry 2014 Syrah made with pristine fruit from the Moaveni Vineyard, which is located in lovely rustic region of Bennett Valley in Sonoma County. Planted in rocky soils on the slopes of Sonoma Mountain, this high-elevation vineyard is influenced by a harmonious balance of foggy mornings, warm days and cool nights. Together, these conditions allow the grapes to develop deep, rich and generous flavors while slowly ripening on the vines.

As an homage to the classic Old World-style with a Bennett Valley twist, gifted winemaker Chris Taddei co-ferments the Syrah with a small amount of Viognier and then blends in 12% Grenache to allow the wine to develop more layers of flavor, depth and complexity. After aging for 18 months in fine French and Hungarian oak barrels, the end result is a sophisticated wine that dazzles the palate with a combination of power, elegance and finesse.

From the dazzling 2014 vintage, the wine features a dark red hue and opulent aromas of ripe black fruits, wild berries, licorice, allspice and freshly cut cedar. With each sip, the scrumptious flavors of ripe blackberry, huckleberry and black cherry are enhanced with nuances of sarsaparilla, dark chocolate, dried lavender, cinnamon, clove, blood orange zest and spicy oak. Past the lush texture, the wine is balanced with layers of lively acidity, chewy tannins, and a long, rich finish. Generous, stately and distinctive: it’s a one of a kind wine that speaks volumes for the benefits of working with Syrah grapes grown on hillsides and cool-climate conditions. With only 143 cases made, get yours before it’s gone!

Food pairings: rich, salty and tangy chesses, risotto with wild mushrooms, slow-roasted wild boar, juicy steaks, rack of lamb and hearty stews, dark chocolate truffles..

“Sommelier to the Stars” Christopher Sawyer, @sawyersommelier