1999 Martinelli Syrah Hop Barn Hill

Community Tasting Notes (4) Avg Score: 95.8 points

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  9/25/2017 - Jonathan T Likes this wine: 94 Points

  I was nervous because I purchased this bottle on consignment at a local retailer and the last CT tasting note on this wine was back in 2011. I've long been a fan of Martinelli (especially the ones made by Helen Turley) and have always wanted to taste a Hop Barn Hill, one of the rarest syrahs in California. This was really fabulous and surprised it did not show any sign of age. And even more shocked that the 15.6% alcohol was so well hidden. It was very composed, well balanced and had a very authentic north coast syrah profile of bacon fat, peppercorn, meatiness along with subtly sweet red fruit. Great on its own, it was even better with food. It was the winner in our tasting's group's syrah-themed lunch.

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  1/24/2011 - peterk wrote: 97 Points

  Rich, concentrated, and viscous this wine is young with beautiful fruit and balance. My first and, sadly, last bottle.

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  5/16/2008 - blondon wrote: 95 Points

  Popped and poured. Started out with a vegetal taste, very sharp, with a nose of eucalyptus. After 30 minutes, morphed into a viscous, rich, concentrated, divine syrah. Extraordinarily elegant and powerful, beautifully balanced, enveloping the mouth with a depth of concentrated fruits, herbs, spice and pepper that must be tasted to believed. I was nervous at first, then amazed at what this wine became. A wonderful expression of syrah that I was fortunate enough to share with a very good friend.

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  12/30/2002 - buckeye76 wrote: 97 Points

  INCREDIBLY ELEGANT WINE WITH CHERRIES, BLACK CHERRIES, AND RICH BERRY FRUIT IN THE NOSE AND FLAVOR. NICE COMPLEXITY AND A LONG FINISH. REMINISCENT OF THE 1995 ARAUJO SYRAH AT TRA VIGNE.

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