Ratings
GALATEA EFFECT SERIES
2011 GALATEA EFFECT SYRAH GENCEPTION OF GIANTS
Publication: The Wine AdvocateAuthor: Jeb Dunnuck
Award: 95
Opaque purple in color and compromised of 100% Syrah (from White Hawk, Garys', Thompson, Larner and Kick on Ranch Vineyards) that spent 27 months in new French oak, the 2011 Syrah Genception of Giants has a cooler climate feel compared to the 2012, with lots of cassis and darker berry fruits, cracked pepper, bacon fate, damp underbrush and wood-smoke aromas and flavors emerging from the glass. Full-bodied, concentrated, lively and fresh, with terrific mid-palate density and notable, yet integrated acidity, it doesn't have the breadth of the '12, yet has more precision, is perfectly balanced and elegant. Give the bottle another year or three and enjoy through 2026.
2012 GALATEA EFFECT SYRAH GENCEPTION OF GIANTS
Publication: The Wine AdvocateAuthor: Jeb Dunnuck
Award: 95
A blockbuster that was bottled in February of this year and comes from a who's who of vineyards, the 2012 Syrah Genception of Giants saw a tiny splash of Viognier in the blend and was aged 27 months in new French oak. It has sensational notes of crème de cassis, vanilla bean, chocolate, smoked herbs, incense and dried flowers to go with a full-bodied, deep, layered an concentrated profile on the palate. a big, rich, full flavored effort, it stays surprisingly light on its feet and never comes across as heavy or cumbersome. It's already drinking nicely, but should evolve nicely for at least a decade.
CONOSCENTI SERIES
2011 GALATEA EFFECT SYRAH CONOSCENTI
Publication: The Wine AdvocateAuthor: Jeb Dunnuck
Award: 92
Made from 100% Syrah, there are 160 cases of the inaugural vintage of the 2011 Syrah Conoscenti. Aged 27 months in 50% new French oak, its deep ruby/purple color is followed by lots of pretty, cool-climate aromas of dark fruits, peppery spice, underbrush and olive tapenade. Beautiful on the palate as well, with medium to full-bodied richness and notable depth of fruit that's backed up by integrated acidity, it's already drinking beautifully today, but should evolve nicely through 2021.
2012 GALATEA EFFECT SYRAH CONOSCENTI
Publication: The Wine AdvocateAuthor: Jeb Dunnuck
Award: 93
Bottled in February and coming from White Hawk, Garys', Thompson, Larner and Kick on Ranch (that's a list of top vineyards ladies and gentlemen), the 2012 Syrah Conoscenti (1% Viognier) sports an inky, almost opaque purple color to go with deep, rich and ripe notes of blackcurrants, cassis, licorice, chocolate, roasted herbs and toasty oak. Full-bodied, voluptuous and textured, with a rich, full mid-palate and ripe tannin, drink this hedonistic and beautifully made Syrah over the coming 7-8 years. The elevage was 27 months in once-used French oak barrels.
2012 GALATEA EFFECT VIOGNIER CONOSCENTI
Publication: The Wine AdvocateAuthor: Jeb Dunnuck
Award: 92
A real Condrieu look-alike, the 2012 Viognier Conoscenti comes all from White Hawk Vineyard and was barrel fermented in 100% new French oak before spending 18 months in neutral oak. It has terrific, full-flavored notes of honeyed apricots, flower oil, toasted nuts and vanilla cream that flow to a full-bodied, concentrated, rich and textured Viognier that has good overall freshness and a big finish. It shows hints of its oak elevage, but this is rock sold. It needs food to really shine, and will drink nicely for another 1-2 years.