Stickybeak Syrah 2010
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Other Vintages
2008-
Wine
Spectator -
Wine
Enthusiast
Ever been curious enough to stick your nose over someone’s fence to see what’s going on? Or peer through a crack in their front gate, just to get a better look? Stickybeak has! Some people might say they're busybodies or nosey neighbors although they prefer the Australian term ‘stickybeak.’ And being Napa-based wine industry folk, it’s hard to not be curious about the stunning vineyards and regions that surround them. In fact, as inquisitive vintners, it seemed only natural that they'd have a bit of a stickybeak in their own backyard to see what they could find.
After setting up shop in Napa some 15 years ago and importing benchmark Australian wine estates, natural curiosity led them all over the state of California to taste, sip, spit and drink the best the state has to offer, all the while wondering how they could make their mark in the country they now call home.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!