Santa Barbara County
Aromatically and texturally this wine, by no design of my own, comes closest to that “international style” that I love to take pot shots at. This wine truly is a monolithic monster that is spicy and mineral-y in aroma as well as dense and mouth-coating. It’s a style that many people love to drink young, and, although it is drinkable now, I think that’s ultimately unfair to this wine. I wouldn’t even think of opening it for at least five years because I have found that, with time, many of our wines similar to this one shed their baby fat and become balanced, compelling and interesting wines with age. This one has all the elements to mature gracefully for years.
Blend: 100% Syrah | Alcohol: 14.5% | Vinification: 20% New French Oak | Barrel Aging: 22 Months
Press Reviews
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Wine Advocate #177 Jun 2008
“Revealing a deep ruby/purple color as well as notes of graphite, coffee, crushed rocks, blackberries, and cassis, the 2004 Syrah White Hawk Vineyard is a dense, firmly structured effort with high tannin, superb concentration, and loads of power as well as richness.” – RP 92+ Points
Wine Advocate #172 Aug 2007
“The 2004 Syrah White Hawk exhibits a deep purple color along with notes of mocha, subtle coffee and oak, and oodles of blackberry and black cherry fruit. I can’t help but think that when Adam was talking about internationally-styled monster wines, and saying it would be the last thing he would do, this wine seems to be part of that group of wines he was criticizing. It’s a beautiful full-bodied, powerful, long effort that should become more elegant, refined, and terroir-based in 5-6 years (as will some of those unnamed wines he was criticizing). This knock-out Syrah should drink well young, but age handsomely for a decade or more.” – RP 93 Points
Wine Advocate #166 Aug 2006
“Ojai’s 2004 Syrah White Hawk Vineyard exhibits a blueberry, blackberry, floral, forest floor, and oak-scented bouquet as well as a rich, dense, opulent, full-bodied, powerful style.” – RP (91-93 Points)
Stephen Tanzers International Wine Cellar
“Bright purple. Inky dark berry and cherry liqueur aromas are brightened by suave minerality. Smoky blackberry and bitter cherry on the palate, with firm tannins adding support. Ripe and impressively full but a bit backward right now, slowly opening to display sweet, liqueur-like dark fruits and strong but not hard-edged tannins. Leave this one alone for at least a few years.” – JR 91 Points
