2012 Syrah, Santa Cruz Mountains, Estate
The Syrah block is one of the steepest and rockiest on the estate, with an aspect that faces almost due south. A long and warm growing season allowed for even ripening of the grapes and full flavor development. Picked in the first week of October, the fruit was partially destemmed into one ton fermenters, allowing for approximately one third whole cluster and then was cold soaked for 36 hours. After an extended maceration, the wine was pressed into 100% French oak barrels, 25% of which were new. The wine was allowed to remain on the original lees for the first year, then bottled with minimal filtration after 14 months in barrel.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes:
Classic expression of Syrah from the estate, and has a lot of the warmth of fruit in both the nose and palate; a result of the ample sunshine of the vintage. However, the fruit was picked before getting “too ripe”, allowing for the freshness of the natural acidity to be maintained, and excellent tannin structure. Notes of Pepper, coriander and cumin spices linger before the blackberry fruit notes that all seem beautifully integrated on a very long palate that ends with a touch of cinnamon, earth and mineral.
Download Wine Notes |
Varietal | Syrah |
Varietal Composition | Shiraz Clone |
Appellation | Santa Cruz Mountains |
Designation | Estate |
Fermentation | 100% French oak in a mix of Francois Freres, Billon and Cadus |
Alcohol | 14.20% |
Volume | 750 ml |