Growing Conditions

Sourced 53% from Slide Hill, this site offers blue fruits and savory characteristics without burying the supporting acts. Hawks Hill Ranch Vineyard Syrah makes up 23% of the blend; an east facing, vertical cordon trained block, it produces a minuscule crop and offers the traditional Paso Robles juiciness. The owner Kit Kyper considers this block to be the crown jewel of the property. The balance of the blend is Graciano sourced from Denner Vineyard.

Winemaking

I find Graciano constitutes as the perfect blending component to Syrah due to its retention of acidity, deep, extracted color and elegant tannin. 46% of this Syrah was barrel fermented in once used puncheon.

Aging

Èlevage in new oak, 23% once used oak, 31% seasonsed, 1.5 % whole cluster.