Growing Conditions
A cool dry winter left us with a mere 16” of rainfall, almost all within January and February. A hotter than average summer made us all long for the rain. Harvest progressed rapidly during a heat wave in late August and early September. Temperatures cooled mid-September, slowing the harvest pace and allowing red grapes to ripen gradually.
Winemaking
Each lot was harvested separately and fermented in a selection of concrete and stainless steel. Each lot was basket pressed into a selection of second fill barriques to age for 15 months.
Aging
There have only been four single variety Villa Creek Syrah bottlings in the last 18 years and they have all been single vineyard selections. ‘3’ is a combination of grapes from west Paso Robles (G2 and Luna Matta) and coastal Syrah from Slide Hill Vineyard in Edna Valley. The Paso Robles grapes bring lush fruit and energy to the blend while the Edna Valley fruit softens the palate and contributes savory aromatics. In numerology 3’s tend to be artistic and have excellent social skills and are usually charming and attractive. These characteristics are apparent in this wine. The deep burgundy, almost black, color make this a very attractive wine in the glass. The combinations of bacon fat, cocoa and dark fruits lure you into the conversation and the palate turns on the charm with its complex layers of fresh dark berries, supple tannins and black pepper spice. Drink 2020 - 2030.
