2022 PlumpJack Syrah Napa Valley
Hold the phone. Bar the door. This Syrah is officially out-of-control good. It’s incredibly plump and succulent, brimming with flavors of huckleberry pie, blueberries, white and black pepper, and a savory, meaty character. Just killer Syrah! Do yourself a favor and smoke some beef short ribs on an oak fire, prep the horseradish, and Go. To. Town.
If we were to pick just one Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to blast into interstellar space for aliens to try when they stumble upon it someday, that wine would be Plumpjack Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville. In our view it is the most flavor-packed, complex, complete bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon that you can buy, in pretty much every vintage. Plumpjack is in one posh neighborhood, with Screaming Eagle, Rudd, Bond St. Eden, and Dalla Valle all nearby. This is Oakville’s (and the Valley’s) absolute sweet spot, near the crossroads of Oakville Cross and Silverado Trail. Their Cabernets are absolutely spectacular, stuffed to the gills with ripe cherry fruit and red rose perfume—and very fairly priced compared to the neighbors.
Vinous
The 2022 Syrah is one of the best wines in this range this year. Dark and enveloping, the 2022 offers notable depth to match its juicy yet not overdone style. Black cherry, plum, leather, spice, menthol and a touch of black pepper all build in the glass. -Antonio Galloni, Dec 2024
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2022 Syrah is all varietal from Carneros as well as Atlas Peak. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a juicy, forward, complex Syrah that has classic peppery dark fruits and subtle meaty, gamey nuances, medium to full body, a ripe, rounded mouthfeel, and soft tannins. It's beautifully balanced and easily an outstanding wine.