Mission Codename Pretty Pretty
“gorgeous and distinctive…superb…Inky, rich and deep, yet also classically proportioned, the 2021 is so expressive today.” - Vinous
Before we dive into this Syrah sermon, let’s throw it back to a recent quip from Robb Report:
“California’s take on the Northern Rhône’s noble red deserves its own devoted fan base.”
And there’s no better way to convert someone into a diehard devotee than giving them a taste of Jolie-Laide.
If that snippet above from the 96 point Vinous review didn’t grab hold of you, maybe the 55% OFF will jolt your senses and spur you into action. Or knowing we have just a few dozen cases remaining…
This is one of those wines that rewires your brain circuits and leaves an indelible core memory. Like your baby’s first words, catching a foul ball at the park, or spotting a two-headed turtle at your favorite swimming hole. It’s that good.
Jolie-Laide is a name you ought to know if you don’t yet. The savvy among us surely know Pax Mahle, who broke molds and reshaped Syrah and other noble varietals over and over again. Today Jolie-Laide shares a dedicated space at his new winemaking facility, and it’s there that Scott Schult and his partner Jenny Schult focus on distinct and fascinating wines. They pull interesting varietals, epic vineyards, and make the wines without a ton of intervention. Think natural wines without the funk.
This Syrah is simply gorgeous. From Hawk’s Butte Vineyard, located about 30 miles inland in Mendocino County’s Yorkville Highlands, it boasts coastal influence and ripe fruit. Visionaries such as Copain and Arrowood have been loving this fruit for many vintages with points aplenty!
We love an artsy label too! Jenny and Scott work with Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland, California, to feature top artists on their labels. New wine, new art. Each bottling celebrates a specific vintage and a unique opportunity for enjoyment.
And enjoyment is in store here. This is a juicy, simply magical Syrah. Lush and rich in tannins with perfectly balanced acidity. This is big and bold and will round out perfectly over time. We, Spies, love the big, fresh fruit and the ostentatious texture here. If you’re like us, consider buying a case so you can enjoy some now, aaaaand keep some to cellar for later.
This is not one to be missed!
96 Points – Vinous “It’s great to get reacquainted with these wines following a few years that I missed them. Scott Schultz has done a terrific job in building Jolie-Laide from a small lab operating out of Pax Mahle’s facility to a winery with its own dedicated space. The range has grown considerably, too, and now includes several wines from elite sites. Schultz picks on the early side to emphasize freshness. The top reds are vinified with 100% stems and carbonic maceration. Schultz favors short aging for his entry-level reds (the 2022s in this report), while the top wines, including the 2021 Syrahs, see about 14 months in barrel, all neutral oak. These are gorgeous and distinctive wines that will appeal to readers who appreciate energy and vibrancy. The 2021 Syrah Hawks Butte Vineyard is superb. Inky, rich and deep, yet also classically proportioned, the 2021 is so expressive today. Black Fruit, leather, game licorice, incense and chocolate build as this flamboyant, savory Syrah shows off its considerable allure. Hawks Butte seems perfectly suited to Scott Schultz. Give this a year or two to soften. What a wine! Steep Franciscan 2300 feet. Drink 2024-2036.”
What the Winery Says
2021 Hawks Butte Vineyard Syrah
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- Winemaker
- Scott & Jenny Schultz
- Varietal
- 100% Syrah
- Vintage
- 2021
- Alcohol
- 13.0%
- Appellation
- Yorkville Highlands, Mendocino County
- Vineyard
- Hawks Butte Vineyard
- Fermentation
- Whole cluster
- Aging
- 10 months
- Barrels
- 100% neutral French oak
About the Winery
Jolie-Laide


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