2008 Crocker & Starr Malbec and a ten year old Syrah- Premiere release

When Pam Starr and Charlie Crocker got together to begin producing wines in the late ’90s, Starr already had significant experience with making wine for the likes of Carmenet and Spottswoode. As the partnership grew and flourished she began adding new varieties to the Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc that Crocker planted the property to beginning in the late ’70s. A couple new releases only available to their Casali Club are rare opportunities to experience the winery pushing the stylistic envelope beyond the solid Cabernet Franc, and Stone Place (Cabernet Sauvignon).  

Why do I say rare? Both bottlings represent a miniscule three barrels each and the Syrah is a 2001. You read it right - a 10 year old Syrah being released for the first time. I won’t tell you the story as to how it finally got released; that is for the winery to share. I can tell you it is like opening a time capsule, as it was perfectly stored in warehouse since bottling. It isn’t a surprise that many Syrah from California fall short of grabbing attention from consumers as some can be big, brooding wines in their youth and given the choice, a lot of people opt for something more approachable.  A decade of age, however has imbued this example with a smooth, mature palate and still plenty of pretty aromatics. On the other hand, the Malbec has a playful yet enduring appeal that is hard to put down. 

As mentioned, there is only one way to source the wine, through the winery’s Casali Club. 

2001 Crocker & Starr Syrah St. Helena, Napa Valley; DW 91 $44.00                  

 14.9% alcohol, 70 cases produced

The nose shows smooth and slightly reduced tarry, black fruit (not surprising for a wine this age) that still packs complex dense layers that evolve with air. To its credit, the palate is moderately full, rounded showing ripe black fig, macerated currant and a little bacon fat/loam. 

2008 Crocker & Starr Malbec St. Helena, Napa Valley; DW 92+ $62.00 

14.9% alcohol, 80 cases produced

The complete antithesis of the Syrah, the premiere release of the very limited Malbec is an exotic curveball with a pure, incense-laden nose of crumbled violet, red raspberry and white pepper washed with a briary piquant sweetness. The palate has generous ripeness with deep red/black cherry core along with a little savory tapenade. It leaves an impression of scuplted and polished approachability and is a delight to drink.

The above wines were tasted with the winemaker in St. Helena, CA