Relic Wines

This is most definitely one of our favorite wineries in the region. The tasting was absolutely spectacular — gorgeous view, wonderful friendly people and EXTRAORDINARY wines. I am very much into reds — and I hate boring ones (unfortunately there is plenty of those in Napa, alongside with the amazing). For me my reds have to be full bodied and complex, with many layers and with character. Relic has those in abundance. They didn’t have a single wine that I wouldn’t like or would consider to be average. It was very hard to make a choice lol — we finally bought 2012 Old vines Petite Sirah and the 2012 Scarpa Syrah.
I should also mention that the prices are beyond reasonable for the quality of the wine. Great great great winery, I highly recommend it.

I’ve been becoming more and more obsessed with wine over the last few years. After two trips to Napa in the last year, RELIC is quickly becoming my favorite wines bar none. The Pinot is astoundingly good.

We met Mike Hirby at the top of the Spring Mountain near the Sonoma/​Napa county line at Erna Schein where he makes and cellars his wines. The tasting was one on one with Mike and we shared some good stories and enjoyed every one of his wines. His prices are great to boot! Watch this rising star!

Originally posted on
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Date: March 8, 2007
Winery: Relic Wines
Winemaker: Mike Herby
Tasting: By appointments only
Contact: 707.967.9380 — Mike Herby
Relic is the label by Mike Herby, one of the Napa Valley winemaking young guns. Mike is also the winemaker for Realm and consulting for Sherwin Family.
This is one of the stop to visit while you are on Spring Mountain, Relic is being housed at Erna Schein (formerly Behrens & Hitchcock). You will find some intriguing Pinots and Syrah, a nice break from the norm on Spring Mountain.
2005 Alder Springs Pinot Noir
Cranberries, red cherries, sweet herbs and good acidity. Medium fruits with firm but well integrated tannin. Just wish this had a bit more fruit.
2005 Richard Perry Vineyard Syrah
Blueberries and touch of prune. Solid mid-​palate with nice dark fruits. 60% new oak, 30% whole cluster. This was double decanted the day before, would of been interesting to see what it taste like right out the bottle.
2005 Alder Springs Syrah
Gamy nose, touch of violet along with minty and wet tea leaf quality. Exceptional dark fruits and well integrated tannin, showing off great balance.
2006 Alder Springs Pinot Noir — 11 years old vine — barrel sample
2006 Alder Springs Pinot Noir — 3 years old vine — barrel sample
2006 Alder Springs Pinot Noir — barrel sample
Tried three different blocks, least impressive being the barrel from the 11 years old vines. If Mike decides to leave out those particular barrels, the 2006 Alder Springs Pinot could be stunning.
2006 Richard Perry Syrah — 60% whole cluster, neutral oak — barrel sample
2006 Richard Perry Syrah — 25% whole cluster, new oak — barrel sample
Tons of white pepper, cumin, Indian spice, and dark fruits. Could be a blockbuster.
2006 Alder Springs Syrah — new oak — barrel sample
2006 Alder Springs Syrah — 80% whole cluster — one use oak — barrel sample