Mabon by Hourglass Syrah, Carneros, CA 2021

Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Tony Biagi and sourced from the renowned Hudson Vineyard, Mābon Syrah highlights a cooler, more savory side of Napa Valley. Though Hudson is most famous for Chardonnay, this 1989 Syrah block has become a benchmark for Rhône varietals in Carneros—marrying structure, aromatic lift, and Northern Rhône-like depth.

• WINEMAKER: Tony Biagi

• VARIETY: 100% Syrah

• TERROIR: Hudson Vineyard, planted in 1989, sits in the heart of Carneros where marine breezes and well-draining volcanic and clay-loam soils shape a long growing season. Known for its natural acidity and layered fruit, the vineyard is among California’s most distinctive Syrah sites.

• VINIFICATION: Fermented with native yeast and 30% whole cluster inclusion, enhancing savory and floral complexity.

• AGING: 16 months in French oak, 50% new—selected for restraint and transparency of site.

• TASTING NOTES: Saturated purple with an expressive nose of blackberry compote, clove, lavender, cracked peppercorn, and iron-rich minerality. The palate is bold yet lifted, with gamey undertones, smoked meat, and baking spice leading into a long, floral finish. Textural precision meets aromatic generosity.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Chargrilled lamb chops, duck breast with five-spice, aged Manchego, or eggplant tagine.

From our 2025 Bottle Cult Notes:

I'll admit it: Syrah is my personal favorite. I'm a lifelong Northern Rhône lover, drawn to those steep, rocky slopes and the variety's mineral edge. Carneros is nothing like Côte-Rôtie, yet that contrast is what makes this wine so exciting. Hudson Vineyard delivers a juicier, more approachable version of Syrah—California sun meets savory spice.
Hudson is one of Napa Valley’s most iconic sites. Founded by Lee Hudson in the early 1980s, the vineyard sits in the fog-cooled, wind-swept hills of southern Napa. Clay-loam soils over volcanic subsoils and a long, even growing season help Syrah ripen slowly and develop both texture and lift. Hudson fruit has become shorthand for quality among Napa winemakers.

Mābon is a non-estate label from Hourglass winemaker Tony Biagi. From their original estate in St. Helena to Hudson Vineyard, Hourglass focuses on expressing terroir with clarity and restraint. This Syrah is hand-harvested, fermented with a mix of whole cluster and destemmed fruit, and aged in mostly neutral French oak. The goal is pure site expression, and they nailed it— my tasting notes from my first blind taste were “Very great, deep, and obviously Syrah from Hudson. So well integrated. Wow."
“Wow” is right!  Some Syrahs are inky, muscular, tannic brawlers. But this one? This Syrah is all velvet and incense. It has depth and structure, but its strength is quie.  Mābon is about balance and the cool-climate elegance Syrah can express.. Aromas of lavender, bay leaf, and violets lead into black plum, tart cherry, and briny olive. The tannins are fine and integrated, the acid fresh, and the finish long, savory, and generous all at once.

Drink it with grilled lamb, mushroom tacos, or anything smoky on a summer night. Or stash a bottle for the next five to seven years—this one will reward a little patience.

 —Cara Patricia, DECANT Co-Founder