2018 Hartford Court Outer Limits Vineyard Syrah, Sonoma Coast

The 2018 Syrah Outer Limits comes from vines planted in Goldridge soils at 680 feet of elevation. Matured for 20 months in 38% new French oak, it demands time to reveal layered scents of blackcurrant, mint chocolate, game meat, tobacco and iron. The full-bodied palate is silky and seamless with concentrated, mineral-driven fruit and a latent finish. It will benefit from several more years in the cellar. 170 cases were made.

93 points Erin Brooks robertparker.com

Black and blue fruits drive the aroma initially in this Sonoma Coast Syrah, with slight gamy characters, garrigue, blond tobacco and lilac aromas. Tasting the wine one finds ripe blueberry and black currant flavors, and tannins that express the wine's mountaintop sourcing. This dense and spicy Syrah was crafted in a style reminiscent of the great wines of the Northern Rhone Valley

Hartford Court Outer Limits Vineyard Syrah from Sonoma Coast is a bold and expressive wine crafted by winemaker Jeff Stewart, known for his expertise in producing small-lot, vineyard-driven wines. Hartford Court, part of the Hartford Family Winery, focuses on single-vineyard expressions that capture the unique terroirs of Sonoma County. Outer Limits Vineyard, located in the rugged and cool Sonoma Coast, provides the perfect climate for growing Syrah with intensity and complexity.

Under Jeff Stewart’s meticulous hand, this Syrah showcases dark aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and plum, with hints of black pepper, smoked meat, and a touch of violet. The cool coastal influence allows for a balanced structure, with lively acidity and fine-grained tannins. On the palate, flavors of ripe black fruit, dark chocolate, and a subtle earthy minerality create a layered, full-bodied experience. The wine finishes long and smooth, with savory notes and a touch of spice.

Ideal for pairing with roasted meats, barbecue, or rich stews, this Sonoma Coast Syrah is both food-friendly and cellar-worthy, with the potential to develop further complexity over time.