Country: US / Hammer
Variety: Syrah California
Winery: Martella / California
Martella’s Hammer Syrah, which is a statewide blend, consistently is as good as, if not better than, its more expensive bottlings. As in the past, the ’06 is very dry, crisp and somewhat tannic. What it lacks in fruity richness it more than makes up in structural balance and elegance, but you’ll find enough cherry, currant, tobacco and sweet oak flavors to satisfy.