2008 Syrah

Rich aromas and flavors of brambly blackberry, cocoa, espresso and black cherry, with a lush texture. Long lasting finish has notes of raspberry mocha. Will continue to improve with age up to five years from vintage.

Harvested by hand in cool morning hours Destemmed to stainless-steel fermenters Rhone yeast strain 12-day concurrent primary and malolactic fermentation Gentle pumpovers throughout fermentation After single racking in tank transferred to barrels 14 months in 100% French oak, 40% new Primarily Burgundian-coopered, high toast

In 2008, there was more springtime frost than usual, but we were lucky enough to not be greatly affected—unlike some of our neighbors. We found ourselves enduring erratic temperatures in May, with heat spikes followed by cool weather and very little rain. June and July brought heat in combination with smoke strewn across Northern California. Luckily, our grapes were not affected by the smoke to our north. While the harvest was busy at first, mid-September brought cooler weather which slowed ripening, allowing us to catch our breath, and finish out the season calmly. The strong 2008 vintage resulted in concentrated wines, full of distinctive character.

835 cases