Winery/Vineyard: Vitagliano Vineyards & Winery, Francois Roux Vineyards
Product/Varietal: 100% Syrah
Vintage: 2013
AVA on Bottle: Temecula Valley
Winemaker: Erick Erno
Rating: 93
83 out of 100 on Cellar Tracker.
How They Describe It
This vineyard select wine is fruit forward with rich aromas of black cherries and anise. Leading into a hint of black currants with a huge nose of chocolate and oak. On the palate it’s smooth, yet bold with firm tannins, ending with black pepper and a deep velvety fruit finish.
How I Describe It
Appearance
Vitagliano’s single-release 2013 Syrah Reserve is deeply colored. A magenta base shimmers ruby, with notable color transition as its age begins to show. Nevertheless, this wine looks far from old or tired, and its aromas and flavors follow suit.
Nose
Aromas of fresh plum, juicy black currant, blueberry, and blackberry combine with charred wood, cloves, lavender and eucalyptus. Slight hints of black pepper join in, along with brioche and anise — though is light enough you might miss it.
Palate
The Vitagliano 2013 Syrah Reserve features flavors of currant and blueberry, with cranberry, blackberry and black cherry following closely behind. Black pepper and flint spice layer on top of brioche and coffee from yeast and oak aging. Oak further influences the wine with whispers of vanilla, cloves, and cedar. Subtle fig, leather, and tobacco points toward the wine’s eight-year maturity. Eucalyptus and lavender water emerge on the finish.
This is a dry wine. High alcohol (14.7% ABV) and high tannins blend into medium-plus acid for a bold, full body. Flavor intensity has mellowed to a pleasing medium-plus, though the finish has remained long.
Why is This Wine Special?
Even though Temecula Wine Country is home to only 50 or so wineries, some wineries get more attention than others. Vitagliano Winery is often among the wineries which fly under the radar. However, for those in the know, Vitagliano is a gem.
Temecula Wine Ratings makes a point to focus on the wine quality, as opposed to winery and tasting room ambiance. In Vitagliano Winery’s case, though, I need to make a brief exception. The property is gorgeous. If and when, dear reader, you make your next trip to Temecula’s wineries, I strongly recommend stopping by Vitagliano if only to take in the scenery.
But let’s get back to the wine. As is the case with many a below-the-radar winery, drinkers can find outstanding bottles which simply haven’t sold out yet. Such is the case with the Vitagliano 2013 Syrah Reserve. That said, the wine has been placed on their library list (the price hasn’t changed, though), so quantity is limited.
When & How I Would Drink It
As has been the case with other high–quality Temecula Syrahs, the Vitagliano 2013 Syrah Reserve is best served with meat. Big, juicy, marbled red meat. Personally, I recommend saving this bottling for a special night. Considering its rarity and maturity, it deserves to be paired with an equally exceptional meal.
How to Get It
Order Online: Call (951) 694-8466 or email info@vitaglianowines.com for details.
Bottle Price: $63.00 ($50.40 for wine club members)
Cases Produced: ~130 cases
Have you tried the Vitagliano 2013 Syrah Reserve? How did the tasting notes compare with your experience? Leave a comment below.