2019 Keplinger 'Hangman's' Syrah Carneros
Helen Keplinger knocks it out of the park yet again with a Syrah kissed by 5% Viognier. The 2018 is simply gorgeous, with a nose of morello cherry, ripe fig, saddle leather and peat. Ultra-fine, soft tannins make for a texture that is pure pleasure, carrying flavors of black cherry, licorice, peach blossom and pot pot pourri. Only 209 cases were made of this remarkable wine, so don’t wait around to get a taste. Built to last a decade or so in a cellar, this is already perfection in a glass.
Jeb Dunnuck
Another brilliant vintage for this cuvée, the 2019 Syrah Hangman's offers a beautiful bouquet of both red and blue fruits as well as classic cool-climate Syrah notes of bacon fat, violets, orange blossom, iron, and hints of tapenade. Full-bodied on the palate, it has a deep, layered, opulent mouthfeel, sweet tannins, no hard edges, and an incredible finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. This magical Syrah will stand up to anything coming out of California today.
Vinous
The 2019 Hangman's is mostly Syrah from Hudson, with a touch of Viognier. Intensely savory, cool-climate notes run through this potent, cool-climate Syrah. The Hangmans is not as immediate or voluptuous as the Fuegy y Mar (it can't be) but it offers quite a bit of character from one of the top sites in Carneros. A whole range of peppery and earthy undertones linger.