Comments on Viva la Wino!: Haven's "Hudson Vineyard" Syrah (Carneros) 2004

decanter publishes prices on the wines it reviews ...

2010-02-19T22:44:44.053-08:00

decanter publishes prices on the wines it reviews (albeit in GBP), but doesn't seem to take price into consideration per se. i do appreciate the pricing information for comparative purposes and appreciate when they highlight 'best value' in their vintage/variety tastings.

Incidentally, with respect to Havens folding, the ...

2010-02-19T10:07:30.607-08:00

Incidentally, with respect to Havens folding, the funny part is their prices by Napa standards were relatively low. By real world standards, they're quite high. But if you look at the Hudson Syrah, that's one of the least expensive wines sourced from that vineyard. I suspect the bigger issue is that many did not deliver the expected Napa 'experience' for the price. That is a wine you'd rate a D or F due to roasted, pruney flavors and bizarre, extreme oak treatment.

Totally with you on this one. I wouldn't bite...

2010-02-19T09:56:38.615-08:00

Totally with you on this one. I wouldn't bite at $40, but like the deal at $25, $18 or $13 (as was the case on some '05 and '06 I bought). I suspect the '04 being an especially hot vintage would be a bit on the riper side. The Cali full body with typical cool(er) Syrah aromatics is what pulled me in.

As far as pricing, critics simply don't care. Samples show up gratis. They are insiders and can get what they want for their cellars through back channels. Or they buy what they like from a vintage before their scores cause prices to jump. Meanwhile they write primarily for collectors for whom money is no object.