Inspiration
For over 10 years our winery has donated a special blend of
our Syrah to People Helping People’s charity event, Vino de Sueños. The
consistent excitement and enthusiasm I’ve received over the years for this
special Syrah inspired me to share it with you.
The Harvest
The moderate temperatures during 2019’s growing season
resulted in relatively late harvest dates at the three vineyard sites. The
Syrah grapes were harvested from Alisos and Tierra Alta vineyards on October 28th
and from Clover Creek Vineyard on October 29th.The long maturity
period gave the grapes time to develop their full flavors. The sugar content
averaged 24.5 Brix between the three vineyards.
Winemaking
The grapes from each vineyard were 100% destemmed and
crushed into small, open top fermenters. After a three-day cold soak period,
the musts were inoculated with yeast. Fermentation lasted for an average of 11
days, at which time the wines were pressed off, settled in tanks and then
transferred to French oak barrels to begin aging. The combined lots were aged
in 25% new French oak barrels for 22 months before being blended, filtered and
bottled in August 2021.
The Wine
The wine has a dark ruby color. The aromas are a blend of
ripe plums, raspberries and brown spices with a hint of black pepper in the
background. On the palate the wine has complex flavors of ripe raspberries and
cream with a hint of vanilla on the finish. The wine is medium-bodied with silky
tannins and excellent acidity.
Food Pairings
This wine will pair well with a cheese plate and with a
variety of dishes including pork and curried lamb.
