Nose
An extraordinary perfume of
vibrant violets, camphor and earth entice the nose.
Palate
A structured palate, bursting
with juicy black plum, sweet tobacco and leather. Full bodied with great richness, the mid‐
palate gives way to chewy, meaty tannins that linger to create a heady, long finish.
Growing Conditions
2011 began with a rainy winter and spring across Sonoma and Napa
Counties. Summer was cooler than average but as harvest approached temperatures rose.
Our syrah ripened fully and evenly, allowing sugars and acid to develop in balance. The
wines from 2011 are bright, expressive and faceted.
Harvest
Hand‐harvested grapes.
Bottling
Unfined and unfiltered; bottled April 2013.
Winemaking
Fermented in small, open‐top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts
5‐day cold soak, 22 days total maceration
Hand‐punched cap
Direct to press; 6% whole cluster
Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 15 months in Francois Frères and Damy French oak barrels; 57% new.
Appearance
Violet ruby in hue, the Kick Ranch Syrah is boldly seductive.