If you are a fan of Italian varietals and do not have the means to travel to Italy there is a place in Healdsburg, CA for you! We had the opportunity to visit Unti Vineyards last year with our friends Carly and Robert. Robert knows Chris is a huge fan of Syrah and I like Italian varietals so he arranged an appointment for the four of us to experience a tasting.
Entering the tasting room
The tasting room is not like the typical trendy, touristy place like most. This is what I consider a real tasting room. Entering the room you have a tasting counter to the left and barrels of wine towards the back of the room and pallets of boxes of wine ready to ship. We had the opportunity to try the Syrah, Montepulciano, Zinfandel and a few others. I found the Montepulciano an interesting varietal and Chris enjoyed the Syrah so much that she bought a bottle to bring home.
Months later we decided to pull the cork and enjoy the 2009 Syrah.
Sight
Deep color depth, clear, and a nice purple hue.
Smell
The Syrah was very aromatic, young-fruity. I could smell bing cherry, plum, vanilla, spice, cocoa.
Taste
This wine was slightly dry, medium-bodied, and had acidity that was balanced. The tannins were medium and soft. Tasting it I noticed mid-palate layered flavors with a soft velvet finish that was long and flavorful.
abv: 13.7%
Wine maker notes: The 2009 Syrah is a blend of five clones within the Unit Estate. The Syrah was aged in 30% new French oak for fourteen months. 795 cases produced.
How much: $28.00
I rated the 2009 Unti Vineyards Syrah three glasses. We have a trip to Healdsburg in May. Time permitting we will schedule a visit.
Life is too short to drink crappy wine!
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