Falcone Family Vineyards Syrah
Falcone Family Vineyards Syrah
Paso Robles, California
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Tasting Notes
Winemaker Notes: The 2021 Syrah shows bright aromas along with great structure. Aromas of boysenberry and spice and a smokey accent dominate the wine, the flavor of blackberry and refined tannins round out the flavors and finish.
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Story
Falcone Family Vineyards was founded by Napa veterans, John and Helen Falcone. After successful careers in the 1970 and 1980s - Jon as the head winemaker at Atlas Peak and Helen the assistant winemaker at Chimney Rock, the Falcones sought to find their own little piece of land to make wine from. They selected their 11 acres,that straddles the El Pomar and Creston districts in Paso Robles, more than 20 years ago. Selected for its ideal climate, sun, and wind conditions, the Falcones noticed remarkable weather history similarities to Rutherford and Oakville in Napa. When the Falcones purchased the land, it was a wide open and non cultivated; they developed it from scratch from bringing in their own electricity to drilling their own well. They have planted Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes on 8 acres of land, only producing around 1,500 cases a year.
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Somm Notes
With history in the Rhone Valley of France, Syrah has found a place in the unforgiving soils and rocky hillsides of Paso Robles. The Falcone Family uses the Estrella clone for their Syrah, a clone that was first planted by Gary Eberle by the Estrella River (in Paso Robles) in 1975. 80% of the existing Syrah vineyards descend from Eberle’s vineyard, and is now known as the Estrella Clone.
The wine is made up of a 94% of Falcone Family’s Estate Syrah and 6% Petite Sirah (likely adding to the intensity of the color). Only 610 cases were produced.
I remember the first time I had this Syrah, its texture surprised me - it was lush and soft on the palate without being overpowered by alcohol, that is common in hot climate wines. The nose evolves in the glass from that earthy savory smoked meat character to dark fruits and notes of espresso. Though the oak presence is noticeable, it’s a reflection of the 13 months in barrel, where only 28% was new (18% French and 10% American). It was a Syrah that made me look twice, and apparently I’m not alone as Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 92 points and it was also awarded Wine Enthusiasts Editor’s Choice at 92 points. Under ideal conditions, enjoy now through 2031.
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Region
Paso Robles is regarded as the wild west of California wine for its rule breaking diversity and innovative spirit. The Paso Robles AVA was established in 1983 and includes the cities of Paso Robles, Templeton, San Miguel, Creston, Shandon and Santa Margarita. In 2014, 11 sub-AVAs were approved, known as the 11 districts of Paso Robles due to their diversity of terroir. Paso Robles is home to over 200 wineries producing about 40 different varietals of wine.
Falcone Family Vineyards straddles both the El Pomar district and the Creston district.
El Pomar district derives its name from the Spanish word “Pomar” which means “orchard” as orchards were historically grown in the area. Due to the cooling influences from the Templeton Gap, cooler climate varieties, such as Cabernet France and Grenache, are cultivated in this area.
Creston District is home to one the of the driests and hottest growing conditions of the Paso Robles AVA. However, due to the cold air from the La Panza Mountains to the east and the cool ocean breezes and marine fog from the Templeton Gap, the Creston district sees huge diurnal shifts. The soil is a mix of sedimentary rock and granite; the granite and loam allows for necessary drainage and deep rootstock, producing wines with vigor and grapes with intensity.