Nose

The aromas continually evolve in this sophisticated, well-structured Syrah from predominantly Paderewski Vineyard with a touch of our cooler climate York Mountain Vineyard. Graphite, roasted meats and herbs (think bay leaf/thyme/sage-rubbed, oven-roasted filet), and kalamata olive lead to more violet and red rose, blueberry fruits, minerals, and vanilla.

Palate

The texture builds as the wine moves in a purposeful path from entry to finish, leaving impressions of complexity and how much you want to enjoy this baby with about 7+ years on it. If you can’t wait, decant!

Growing Conditions

Parentage: 87% Paderewski and 13% York Mountain Vineyards

Stomping Grounds: One east-facing, peachy limestone precipice

Paderewski Vineyard:

Travel just west of Paso Robles, and you will find Paderewski Vineyard: 67 acres of undulating, steep, limestone rich hillsides within 570 rural, spring-fed acres. In the early 1900’s, this vineyard was cherished and farmed by world-renowned pianist, Polish diplomat, and vintner, Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Fast forward a century, and this property stood forgotten and fallow. Lucky for us, in 2004, we became the stewards of this amazing piece of property.

Planted: 2004 Acreage: 95 under vine, 570 total Soils: limestone, calcareous, rocky pH: low to mid 8 AVA: Paso Robles District: Willow Creek Red Varietals: Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Zinfandel White Varietals: Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, and Viognier

York Mountain Vineyard:

The York family had vineyards on this mountain, and now we do too! In the spring of 2015, after much dreaming and planning, we began planting vines at this “cool climate” site (colder than Burgundy). Located just seven miles from the Pacific Ocean at an elevation of 1,500 feet, this property falls in the small 640 acre York Mountain AVA, which is outside of the very large Paso Robles AVA.

The soils and climate are very different than our other two vineyards; we get to try our hand at sand and sandstone soils (some areas look like you are on the beach) along with a very moderate climate due to the even closer proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Due to the elevation and distance from the ocean, York Mountain receives more than twice the amount of rainfall as our other vineyards and has characteristic foggy mornings throughout the year with cool breezes all day long.

Planted: 2015 Acreage: 21 under vine, 128 total Soils: sand, fragmented and fractured sandstone pH: high 4s to mid 6s AVA: York Mountain Red Varietals: Grenache, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon White Varietals: Viognier and Roussanne

Bottling

Graduation: Bottled July 25, 2021| Debut: Released Fall 2022

Winemaking

Rearing: Fermented in concrete, stainless steel, and new French oak puncheons (26% stem inclusion)

Aging

Aged 18 months in French oak barrels and puncheons (42% new)