Growing Conditions
2016 saw another nearly perfect vintage in the Napa
Valley. Winter precipitation afforded relief from
drought concerns, while a very pleasant spring and
mild summer produced slightly less than average
yields, smaller clusters, and more concentration in
the fruit. Mid-October brought substantial rains to
the region, the first in quite some years, but we were
fortunate to already have in all of our grapes.
Winemaking
The less common 877 clone offers everything we are
looking for in our Syrah. Neutral oak preserves the
purity of that character and barrel aging balances the
natural acidity generated from the cooler growing
conditions of Carneros.
A four-day cold maceration is followed by 12 days of
fermentation. Daily delesatage in addition to pump
overs occur during active fermentation at 90°F.
The wine spends 27 days total in vat followed by
malolactic fermentation in barrel. The wine is then
aged for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels - 5%
new and 95% 10-year old.
