2016 Syrah Hudson Vineyards

Atlas Peak was one of hardest-hit areas in the fires of last fall. As relentless flames encircled their property, the Kongsgaards were lucky to get out alive. Through some sort of minor (or major) miracle, and the efforts of firefighters, the family home was not damaged at all. Alex Kongsgaard camped out in the caves to make sure the wines survived as well. And they did. Even today, a year later, the damage wreaked by the fires is evident in the scorched hillsides. It is so great to see the wines showing so well, because they could have very well been lost. The 2016s are brilliant, while the 2017s aren't too far behind. As I have written here before, my sense is that the wines are just a bit more vibrant than they were a few years ago.

The Kongsgaard estate was in the eye of the storm as fires of unprecedented ferocity ravaged much of the property this past October. The Kongsgaards barely escaped, literally with just a few minutes to spare. Miraculously, the family home was saved, while the fire stopped just outside the winery. Portions of the estate vineyard were damaged, although it will take some time to know how badly. My fall tasting was memorable for the number of utterly sublime wines I tasted with John and Alex Kongsgaard. As I have written here previously, my impression is that the wines are a bit more refined today than in the recent past. These remain some of the most unique and deeply human wines being made in Napa Valley today.