Nose
The 2008 vintage is a classic example of cool-climate Syrah. The aromas are layered and complex, showing a balance of smoked game meats, black cherry cola, dried herbs, hints of mint and spiced plum.
Palate
On the palate, bright acidity and bold dark fruit flavors evolve into spiced dark chocolate notes followed by a long finish of dried cherries and herbs.
Growing Conditions
Over the last decade, cool-climate Syrah from California has attracted a growing following of wine fans who appreciate the heady aromatics, voluptuous flavors, and age-ability of this Rhône variety. The 2008 vintage marks our 15th of Syrah from the famed Saralee’s Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Saralee’s Vineyard is decidedly cool climate. It possesses 13 acres of Syrah featuring a variety of French and Australian clones. Arrowood has been producing Syrah from Saralee’s since 1994. We love the vibrancy, purity of fruit, and incredible structure that define the wine’s every vintage. True to the Côte Rôtie style of the Rhône Valley, we co-fermented this Syrah with a small amount of Viognier to intensify the color and enhance the exotic, complex aromas of the wine.
Winemaking
Aged in 100% French oak barrels for 21 months; 40% new
