Martella Hammer California Syrah 2011

A fantastic small-production Syrah that we highly recommend. “Hammer” translates to “Martella” in Italian, and Martella has nailed this popular variety once again, this time using three vineyard sources in a unique blending of different terroirs. Two of the vineyards are long-time favorites of Michael, Camel Hill in the Santa Cruz Mountains for lush, rich earthy tones and Fairbairn Ranch in Mendocino County for bright red fruit character and structure. The newbie to the offering is a Carneros (Sonoma County) vineyard, adding a note of white pepper and spice to the blend. It is a big, rowdy wine with ripe fruit on the nose, and a sweet smooth richness that always seems to define Hammer Syrah.  An intoxicating bouquet of bright ripe fruit, white pepper and a slight sense of cigar box leads your nose deep into the glass for more. The wine is very balanced and sophisticated; fruit, tannins and acid are all in perfect harmony with each other making this a deliciously smooth and well-rounded wine to drink.

Save