Double Gold — 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Wine Enthusiast — reviewed and recommended (2022 vintage, Tom R. Capo)
WHY WE CHOSE THIS WINE
Bartholomew Estate sits within Bartholomew Park — one of the most historically significant wine properties in California. The site traces winemaking roots to the 1850s as the first privately owned vineyard in Sonoma, restored by Frank Bartholomew in 1943 after decades of dormancy. The Viviano's Block Syrah draws from this very estate vineyard — a single-block expression with a pedigree that few California producers can match. The 2022 earned Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and Wine Enthusiast praised its depth and character. Total estate production is kept deliberately small — between 3,000 and 5,000 cases annually — which means every bottle carries weight beyond what the label advertises. As September deepens into harvest season, this is the Syrah that feels most appropriate: rooted in history, built for the table, and priced well below its category.
TASTING NOTES
The nose bursts with juicy blueberry, plum, and freshly chopped herb. On the palate, savory roasted meat notes balance generous blue and black fruit, before a rich, tannic finish that rewards patience. Inky garnet in the glass with excellent acidity and a dark earthiness that speaks directly to the historic estate from which it comes