Hedges Cellars "Descendants Liegeois Dupont" Syrah Red Mountain, 2017

Hedges Family Estate

Grapes are from Les Gosses Vineyard, which is in the Red Mountain AVA, and has both the Joseph Phelps and Tablas Creek clones. The wine was destemmed and partially crushed into stainless steel fermenters where it was pumped over twice daily until desired tannin extraction was achieved. It was then pressed to barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation, then racked off lees and 100% barrel aged in 52% new oak and puncheons (48% neutral oak) for 19 months. The new oak and puncheons consisted of 49% American and 51% French.

Classic characters of red tart fruits, blueberry pancakes, black pepper, fresh ground cumin seed, and hint of vanilla, dark cocoa powder and chili powder. The entry is tart with a lot of fruit and spice flavors.