"Inky purple. Smoke-and-spice-accented aromas of blackcurrant, menthol and licorice. Spicy, fleshy, deeply pitched dark berry and floral pastille flavors are lifted by a peppery note, with a floral pastille nuance building on the back half. The long fruit-driven finish features smooth tannins and a candied licorice quality."

An outstanding Syrah that comes from the calcareous shale soils of their estate vineyard, the 2012 Syrah Viking Vineyard has lots of spice and cedar qualities in its blackcurrant, pepper and menthol-scented bouquet. Full-bodied, pure, layered and nicely focused, it should have a decade of overall longevity. Jeremy aged this 20 months in 67% new French oak. It's a classic Paso Robles Syrah that has both textural richness and elegance.

Fair warning needs to be made here to those who simply cannot abide ripeness, for this one is ripe without restraint, but it is also a wine of enormous richness and depth, and it is replete with plenty of real Syrah spice. Although big, brash and a bit hot, it somehow avoids spinning off out of control, and it simply needs patience and smart pairing with the right kind of foods to shine. Wait for another four or five years and serve it with garlicky braised lamb recipes.

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Anna's Vineyard 2012
90 points. Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine - March 2015
"It may not have quite the reach and inner strength of its reserve companion, but this well-crafted wine delivers a great deal of well-defined, slightly spicy, blackberry fruit, and its neatly tailored addition of sweet oak ups the ante in richness. It is supple and full with affable, easily accessed flavors, and its comparatively modest tannins provide a useful bit of ageworthy grip without dissuading early drinking for those who choose not to wait."

ADELAIDA Syrah Anna's Vineyard Reserve 2012
91 points. Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine - March 2015
"A bigger, ever so slightly broader and brawnier Syrah than the winery's non-reserve bottling from the same vineyard, this very rich, close-to-extravagant offering exhibits an extra measure of concentration, and its generous, well-formed fruit stays in pace despite its clear predilictions to ripeness. For all of its considerable size, it is not given to late harvest bluster, and it shows a degree of polish that is uncommon in wines of its style. It does, however, want some time to reach its best, and another four of five years will pay great dividends."

ADELAIDA Syrah Anna's Vineyard Block 5 Reserve 2011
94 points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - August 2014
"The 2011 Syrah Block 5 Reserve is awesome. Sporting an inky opaque purple color, it has gorgeous black raspberry, cassis, licorice, toasted spice and hints of violets that flow to a medium to full-bodied, seamless and incredible pure Syrah that stays lively, fresh and balanced. Made from 100% Syrah and aged 20 months in 60% new French oak, it’s hard to resist now, but will thrill for upward of another decade. " Jebb Dunnuck
92 points. Wine Enthusiast - October 2014
"The tension between ripe fruits, lovely florals and savory spices make this memorable. On the nose, aromas include blueberry pie, violet and anise, while the palate offers plum jam followed by tree bark tartness finished with dried oregano."
Matt Kettmann
92 points. Tasting Panel, Anthony Dias Blue - June 2014
"Juicy and rich with deep blackberry and spice; plum, cassis and spice; chocolate and vanilla oak; long and lush."

ADELAIDA Syrah Annas' Vineyard 2011
90 points. Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines- February 2014
"A tad more direct at its heart than its year-older partners above but very well-endowed with generously laid-on Syrah fruit and plenty of range, it brings hints of earth, forest floor, roasted meat, dark chocolate and creamy oak together in an outgoing package. It is viscous in feel, and its expressive flavors are nicely balanced by underlying acidity. Still, this is one that we would suggest for current and nearer-term enjoyment while its mates enjoy some quite time in the cellar."

ADELAIDA Syrah Anna's Vineyard Block 6 Reserve 2010
93 points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - August 2013
"A beautiful Syrah, the 2010 Syrah Reserve Block 6 Anna’s Estate Vineyard delivers a savory, layered profile with smoky black currants, raspberry, lead pencil, spice box and plenty of dried herbs to go with a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced palate. Rich, textured and structured, it should evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. Drink now-2022." Jeb Dunnuck
92 points. Vinous, Antonio Galloni - August 2013
"The 2010 Syrah Block 6 Anna's Reserve brings together the power of the Viking Vineyard Reserve Syrah, but with more inner sweetness, perfume and silkiness, all of which serve to tame some of the tannic heft. A sexy, voluptuous wine, the 2010 has plenty of near-term appeal, but it should also drink well for at least another handful of years. Layers of dark mineral-infused black fruits inform the deep, resonant finish. This is a gorgeous wine from Adelaida."

ADELAIDA Syrah Viking Vineyards Reserve 2010
94 points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - August 2013
"More concentrated and rich, with knockout dark fruits, toast, spice box and hints of chocolate, the 2010 Syrah Reserve Viking Estate Vineyard is full-bodied, deeply fruited and yet beautifully balanced and classy. As with the Block 6 Syrah, it has solid underlying structure and will have over a decade of longevity. Drink now-2022." Jeb Dunnuck
90 points. Vinous, Antonio Galloni - August 2013
"Dark cherries, plums, smoke, menthol, tar and licorice blast from the glass in the 2010 Syrah Viking Vineyard Reserve. One of the more muscular, virile wines in the range, the 2010 is going to require another year or so for some of the imposing tannins to start receding a bit. While the Anna's Syrah is all about grace, the Viking is distinctly powerful and brooding in style."
92 points. International Wine Cellar, Stephen Tanzer - 2013

"Inky ruby.  Heady, spicy aromas of cassis, blueberry preserves, violet pastille and vanilla, with a smoky topnote.  Dark berry liqueur flavors show intense sweetness but maintain vivacity thanks to bright minerality and a jolt of cracked pepper.  This lush yet lively syrah finishes with sweet black and blue fruit qualities, supple tannins and excellent persistence." Josh Reynolds

ADELAIDA Syrah Anna's Vineyard 2010
92 points. Vinous, Antonio Galloni - August 2013
"The 2010 Syrah Anna's Vineyard stands out for its silky, polished personality. This is an especially refined Syrah that emphasizes persistence, finesse and balance. Juicy dark cherries, plums, menthol and cloves are all layered into the mid-weight, gracious finish. This is a beautiful showing from Adelaida."
92 points. Tasting Panel, Anthony Dias Blue - June 2013

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Viking Vineyard Reserve 2009
93 points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - August 2012
"The 2009 Syrah Reserve Viking Vineyard emerges from the glass with juicy dark cherries, plums, flowers, leather and savory herbs. It shows a level of nuance, depth and sheer vibrancy that is missing from some of the other wines in this lineup. Layers of fruit build to the rich, intense finish. This is a terrific showing from Adelaida. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019." - Antonio Galloni

ADELAIDA Syrah Anna's Vineyard "Block 6" Reserve 2009
93 points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - August 2012
"Adelaida’s 2009 Syrah Block 6 Reserve Anna’s Vineyard shows more aromatic lift than some of the other Syrahs. Violet, black cherries and mint are woven together in a refined, polished style that stands apart for its class, finesse and sheer polish. Sweet perfumed notes linger on the gorgeous, highly articulate finish." - Antonio Galloni
93 points. Tasting Panel, Anthony Dias Blue- June 2013
92 points. Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine- 2013

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Anna’s Vineyard 2009
92 points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - August 2012
"Serious depth and sheer power take center stage in the 2009 Syrah Anna’s Vineyard. Varietal notes of plums, dark cherries, black pepper and game meld into rich fruit in this explosive, full-bodied Syrah. This is an especially intense style of Syrah, but it is also beautifully balanced." - Antonio Galloni

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Viking Estate Reserve 2008
92+ points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - August 2011
"The 2008 Syrah Reserve Viking Vineyard is a big, bold wine loaded with blue and black fruit. Darker hints of licorice, tar and violets develop in the glass, but ultimately this is pretty tamed Syrah that shows the more elegant side of the grape's personality. Firm yet well integrated tannins frame the finish." - Antonio Galloni
91 points. Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine- July 2012
91 points. International Wine Cellar, Stephen Tanzer - November/December 2011 
"Bright purple. Fragrant bouquet evokes black and blue fruits, violet and smoky Indian spices. Lush and creamy in texture, with very good depth to its dark fruit preserve flavors. Silky tannins add shape and grip to the long, juicy, very energetic finish."

ADELAIDA Syrah Anna's Vineyard 2008
91 points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - August 2011
"The 2008 Syrah Anna's Vineyard is a gorgeous, beautifully balanced wine laced with blueberries, blackberries and sweet spices. It shows impeccable polish from start to finish, along with an elegant, refined personality. This is a stunning wine for the money." - Antonio Galloni
90 points. International Wine Cellar, Stephen Tanzer - November/December 2011
"Bright purple. Powerful aromas of blueberry, blackberry, olive and Indian spices. Displays textbook syrah flavors of smoky dark berries, olive and candied flowers. Seductive right now but building tannins suggest that this wine will age slowly. The finish repeats the smoke and floral notes and hangs on tenaciously."

ADELAIDA Syrah Viking Estate Vineyard Reserve 2007
92 points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - August 2010
"...the 2007 Syrah Viking Estate Reserve, is big, full-bodied, broad, and juicy, with an inky/purple color and loads of blackberry and cassis fruits as well as hints of licorice, camphor, and pepper. The wine is layered, full-bodied, very impressive, yet at the same time retains its elegance and impressive overall purity. "
91 points. Wine Enthusiast - February 2011
91 points. International Wine Cellars, Stephen Tanzer - November 2010
92 points. Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine - June 2010

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Glenrose Vineyard Reserve 2007
93 points. Wine Enthusiast - February 2011
91 points. International Wine Cellar, Stephen Tanzer - November 2010
"...Inky violet. Sexy, oak-spiced cherry and dark berries on the nose. Smooth and seamless in texture, with deep blackberry and cherry-vanilla flavors that are energized by tangy acidity. Blends richness and vivacity smoothly and finishes with very good clarity and spicy, smoky persistence."

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Viking Estate Vineyard Reserve 2006
94 points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - August 2009
"The 2006 Syrah Reserve Viking Estate is a French Hermitage-like effort made from the Estrella clone of Syrah (believed to have come from Chapoutier’s Hermitage vineyards). A chalky character interwoven with copious quantities of damp earth, licorice, lavender, blackberries, and cassis are followed by a full-bodied, gorgeously proportioned, layered, superbly concentrated wine displaying tremendous persistence as well as length. Both subtle and powerful, it is a brilliant example of west side Paso Robles Syrah. "
91 points. Wine Enthusiast - December 2009
90 points. Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine - November 2009
90 points. International Wine Cellar, Stephen Tanzer - November 2009
90 points. Tasting Panel - 2009

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Glenrose Vineyard Reserve 2006
92+ points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - August 2009
"The 2006 Syrah Reserve Glenrose Vineyard is a more subtle, slightly toned-down effort. Full-bodied with plenty of smoky, forest floor, spring flower, black and red fruit notes, it is a layered, voluptuously-textured wine with superb depth and purity. Consume it over the next 7-8 years."
91 points. The Wine Enthusiast - December 2009
90 points. International Wine Cellar, Stephen Tanzer - November 2009
90 points. Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine - November 2009
Best of Class. The San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition 2010

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Anna's Vineyard 2006
90 points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - August 2009
"The outstanding 2006 Syrah Anna’s Estate exhibits this varietal’s gamy, meaty style with attractive barbecue/smoked meat, camphor, cassis, and acacia flower notes. The super-complex aromatics are accompanied by a round, medium to full-bodied wine with sweet tannin, good substance, and fine purity. Enjoy it over the next 5-7 years."

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Viking Estate Vineyard Reserve 2005
90+ points. Wine Advocate, Issue 177, Robert Parker Jr. - June 2008
"Also outstanding, the 2005 Syrah Viking Estate Reserve Vineyard exhibits more black currant and licorice characteristics along with a touch of toasty oak, medium to full body, elegant, restrained flavors, well-integrated tannin, and fresh acidity. Consume it over the next 5-6 years."
90 points. Connoisseurs' Guide To California Wine- November 2008

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Glenrose Vineyard Reserve 2005
90 points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - June 2008
"Made in a lighter style, the 2005 Syrah Reserve Glenrose Vineyard displays a hint of bacon fat, a restrained oak component, and Crozes-Hermitage-like notes of tapenade, herbs, and black fruits. This medium-bodied Syrah should drink nicely for 3-4 years."

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Viking Estate Vineyard Reserve 2004
90 points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - August 2007
"The most structured, aromatic, complex, and richest is the 2004 Syrah Reserve Viking Estate Vineyard. Copious quantities of black raspberry jam-like notes intermixed with cassis, spring flowers, licorice, and earth emerge from this medium to full-bodied effort. Good freshness and length suggest it will last for 5-6 years."

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Chelle Mountain Vineyard Reserve 2004
92 points. Wine Enthusiast - May 2008
"Here’s a wine that grabs your attention for its complex, authoritative structure. The York Mountain AVA is in a cooler, hilly part of western Paso Robles, wide open to Pacific influence, and you can taste the salty sea breeze in the crisp acidity and fine tannins, not to mention the white pepper flavors that give a piquant spiciness to the blackberries and mocha. Drink this fine young Syrah now, or hold for up to six years."

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Viking Estate Vineyard Reserve 2003
91 Points. Wine Advocate,  Robert Parker Jr. - August 2006
"From a limestone vineyard planted in 1992, the impressive, dark ruby/purple-tinged 2003 Syrah Reserve Viking Vineyard boasts a beautifully pure bouquet of white flowers, blackberries, and a hint of toasty oak. Full-bodied, structured, and rich with ripe tannin, abundant fruit, and plenty of extract, this dense, well-balanced Syrah will drink well for a decade."

 

ADELAIDA Syrah Viking Estate Vineyard Reserve 2002
91 Points. Wine Advocate,  Robert Parker Jr. - June 2005
"The 2002 Syrah Reserve Viking Estate exhibits a saturated color in addition to smoky, blackberry, and black tea aromas

intermixed with notions of lard, oak, and underbrush. Pure and ripe, with a tightly-knit, structured, big personality, it requires another 1-2 years of bottle age, and should drink well for a decade."

 

ADELAIDA Syrah 2002
90 Points. Wine Advocate, Robert Parker Jr. - June 2005
"Readers seeking an open-knit Syrah, with abundant notes of bacon fat and smoke should check out the 2002 Syrah from three vineyards, Glenrose, DeBro, and Viking. This medium-bodied, elegant effort offers attractive perfume, finesse rather than power, and admirable purity as well as depth. Drink it over the next 3-4 years."