Growing Conditions
The 2019 vintage began with a cool start. We saw above average rainfall in Paso Robles helping to cleanse soils. The cool weather protracted bud break and bloom delaying our growing season. A heat wave in late July helped to accelerate our delayed season with harvest starting about 7 days late at the end of August. The weather became more seasonal until several frost events in late September and October created challenges for low elevation areas. Luckily, we saw very little frost damage in our vineyards this season. Overall yield in the vineyard is lower than average. While short and somewhat sporadic, vintage 2019 is showing to be rich in flavor and phenolically dense.
Winemaking
The Syrah used to make this wine comes from a mountain top location in Willow Creek. The Willow Creek Syrah is extremely structured with black fruit flavors and savory aspects. The Grenache helps flesh out the mid palate with more plush fruit flavors creating balance while maintaining the full-bodied structure of the wine. Aged in 100% French oak for 18 months (50% new).
Food Pairing
Grilled venison, Spanish style tapas, tomato-based pasta dishes; Cheese: cheddar, asiago, epoisses
