As we head into fall we share one of the outstanding wines produced in North America. Translated to ‘beyond categorization’ Hors Catégorie is a magnificent expression of terroir in a bottle. Sourced from a mere 2 acre vineyard hidden in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, the Hors Catégorie Vineyard is a sight to be seen. This vineyard is so steep that you struggle to climb it. As you whisk away beads of sweat from your forehead, the views from the top of the vineyard are simply breathtaking.
Spacing at this stunning vineyard is extremely tight and the wine is remarkably cropped at less than a ton an acre. The terroir was largely stony with thick broken basalt sprinkled everywhere. You can almost feel the tension in the wines from the struggle of each individual vine. The 2017 Hors Categorie Syrah (WWB, 98) is nothing short of a magical, one of a kind effort —truly one of the finest wines I have tried in North America throughout the past year. While the stony terroir plays second fiddle, the other parts to the wine, the savory notes and flavor and aromatic range is just insanely good. The tension here is sensational as this edition vs. the 2016 is a bit more focused on freshness and beautiful finesse rather than weight. I think you will be just as pleased as I was with this highly sought after Syrah. Learn more about this marvelous Syrah at https://horscategorievineyards.com/horscategorievineyards/ Here is the new review for the incredible 2017 Hors Catégorie Syrah.
2017 Hors Catégorie Syrah (Spring 2021 release)- The name ‘Hors Categorie’ is a French term most frequently used in stage bicycle races to designate a climb that is 'beyond categorization.’ The nose is wonderfully stony with Umami, green olive tapenade, salted ham and wild blackberry cobbler tones that all meld in the glass. The seamless texture is seriously impressive as this weightless wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Bulls blood and charcuterie flavors connect with wild blackberry cordial, cigar ash and garrigue with orange zest undertones. This is Jamet meets Oregon —truly one of the finest wines I have tasted in the past year. Sensational in its youth, with its graceful finesse, I can see this giving drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 98