TN: 2022 Desire Lines Syrah Sky Vineyard (USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder)

WINE TALK
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  • 2022 Desire Lines Syrah Sky Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder (6/18/2024)
    Sky is one of those IYKYK vineyards, and this wine is definitely an insider’s treasure. Desire Lines is one of my very favorite California wineries, and the Sky Syrah just raises the profile. When I first opened it there was an intense hit of floral - I was in the middle of a field of wildflowers. I honestly did not want to stop smelling it - just too beautiful. Eventually I took a sip and the savory, smoky Syrah essence took over, but with an overlay of the bright, floral tones staying in place. Just stunning. Integrated tannins, deep umami/savory back end notes and a lifted, ethereal finish completed the picture. I left a hearty glass for night two, and it only intensified the savory, with no loss of the floral. Fascinating, compelling wine that conveys a high mountain site that is rooted in the depths of the Earth.
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What’s the geology of Mount Veeder? While I been up there, I cannot recall what makes it special for Syrah (other than the growers and winemakers.)

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Hmm, would have loved to get the Sky from DL, but missed it I think. I have had both Bedrock and Sky’s own outings, and they’re amazing.

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Little summary from the Lagier Meredith site. They are on Mr. Veeder but obviously a different location.
https://www.lagiermeredith.com/vineyard

Also IIRC there’s an older Bedrock Wine Conversations podcast about Sky with one of the owners that gets into the soils.

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Good stuff. Fractured shale and sandstone, which is likely the same for Sky as well.