Inglenook, one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates, has long been synonymous with world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Yet it is also home to an inspired, small-production Syrah: the RC Reserve. Named for Roman Coppola, Syrah enthusiast and son of proprietor Francis Ford Coppola, this wine represents a creative collaboration between Roman and the Inglenook winemaking team. The goal was to craft a Syrah that fuses the elegance and savoury complexity of the Northern Rhône with the opulence and bold fruit character of the New World. Grown in the estate’s eastern blocks where well-drained alluvial soils and Rutherford’s temperate climate converge, RC Reserve Syrah showcases a unique facet of Inglenook’s diverse terroir, offering a bold yet nuanced expression of the variety.
The 2017 RC Reserve Syrah is a visually striking wine, its deep ruby hue immediately hinting at the richness within. On the nose, it reveals a compelling bouquet of ripe blueberry, black liquorice, and black olive, underscored by evocative notes of wild herbs, thyme, rosemary, and lavender that evoke the garrigue of the Rhône Valley. The palate is generous and concentrated, delivering dense layers of dark fruit and spice with impressive depth and structure. Silky yet powerful, the wine maintains a seamless flow across the palate, finishing with warmth, persistence, and a touch of savoury complexity. A harmonious blend of finesse and force, this Syrah captures both place and intent, resonating with collectors and Rhône-style lovers alike.