Syrah Santa Maria Valley

A single clone from a single vineyard shaped this wine, our first Syrah, providing an earthy aroma accentuated by notes of white and black pepper and cigar. Fermentation, including 25% whole cluster, was completed by native yeast and native malo-lactic conversion. Medium firm tannins balance its freshness, dark fruit and lingering spice. Aged 24 months in neutral puncheons, we find this Syrah immediately accessible yet made to age.

(PDF 1.8 MB)

Vineyards:
100% Bien Nacido

Harvest:
October 19, 2008

Composition:
100% Syrah - Clone 99

Aging:
24 months in neutral French oak barrels

Total Acidity:
6.88 g/L

Alcohol:
14.8%

Exclusively from Clone 99 from the renowned Z-Block in Bien Nacido Vineyards, thorough sorting of whole clusters and de-stemmed fruit preceded a three to five day cold soak. Both primary and malo-lactic fermentation were completed with native yeast. The deep purple hue of our inaugural Syrah stains the glass. Aromas of dark fruit and pronounced white and black pepper give way to notes of tea, tobacco and black licorice on the palate. The wine is full-bodied with rich texture and round tannins.

2008 Santa Maria Valley Syrah Vintage Label Image