Our Syrahs
"The problem with this country is that everyone is one glass of Syrah behind."
Syrah finds its greatest expression when grown in cool climates in non-vigorous soils. It is the red grape best known from the Rhone Valley and produces dark-colored dense wines that age well. This early to mid-season grape varietal crops heavily producing large clusters with small to medium sized berries. The berries will tend to wilt and collapse when they near maturity. Syrah ranges in flavor from spicy black pepper and smoke in cooler climates and less ripe seasons to jammy blackberry and chocolate when very ripe. Syrah quite often develops a meaty/gamey character as wells as aromas of fresh leather and violets. Two Syrah clones commonly used are; 300 known for its smaller clusters and powerful wines that can add tannin structure and 174 also known for smaller clusters and lower production levels that can produce complex flavor profiles and a strong tunnel of fruit through the mid pallet.
2004 - SYRAH LAS MADRES VINEYARD |
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The Art: Located in Carneros, the Las Madres vineyard benefits from significant temperature variations found in this area of Southern Sonoma allowing longer ripening and added complexity. For greater integration we co-fermented clone 300 grapes providing a strong core of forward fruit with clone 174 grapes for structure and earthy tones. Aromatics of ripe plum, dark cherry, violets and new leather. Blackberry fruit on the pallet with excellent balance between silky tannins and refreshing acidity followed by a long finish that hints at aging potential. The Science:
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2006 - SRYAH STOLPMAN VINEYARD |
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The Art: OK, the grapes for this wine come from Santa Barbara but we couldn’t help our selves when we had the chance to work with this vineyard. The famous Stolpman vineyard is regarded by many as the ideal location for growing exceptional Syrah because of its fast-draining soils and cool microclimate. The vineyard is managed by a near fanatical and meticulous viticulture team that is focused on sustainable farming. A saturated medium-ruby colored wine exhibiting quintessential Syrah aromas of blackberry, black raspberry, violets, new leather, mocha and pepper. It is concentrated, densely packed and smooth, with deep black fruit nicely framed by balanced acidity and tannins followed by a long finish. The Science:
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