Nose
Heady aromatics of blueberry, spice and fine white pepper are the
intriguing introduction to this truly seductive syrah.
Palate
A bold, viscous palate opens with
flavors of fresh‐picked blackberries and currants, savory accents and a hint of tar. Mocha,
sage and minerals meld with firm tannins and bright acidity to create a complex,
memorable finish.
Growing Conditions
: 2008 began with an exceptionally dry spring and early bud break. Frosts
in April significantly lowered cluster counts. Weather stabilized and warmed through
summer, with warmer temperatures continuing through harvest. A smaller crop of high
quality fruit was able to ripen fully and evenly, developing an excellent balance of sugars
and acid. Overall, the 2008 wines are bright and expressive with well‐articulated flavors.
Harvest
Hand‐harvested grapes.
Bottling
Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; bottled April 2010.
Winemaking
Fermented in small, open‐top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts
5‐day cold soak, 24 days total maceration
Hand‐punched cap
Native malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 18 months in Redoux and Francois Frères French oak barrels; 71% new.
Appearance
Deep violet color.