Description

The fruit for this wine comes exclusively from our Sta. Rita Hills estate and is a combination of five different Syrah clones (Estrella, Beaucastel 99, 1, 383, 470). The Estrella, 383 and 470 are planted on nutrient deficient, well-drained sand, which always lends an intoxicating and high- toned bouquet of white pepper flowers and spice, while the Clone 99 from Block I is planted on denser sandy loam soil, bringing depth and richness to the table. Harvested mid to late November, 60% of the fruit was gently de-stemmed with 40% remaining as whole clusters and was fermented in small 1.5 ton open top fermenters. Total skin and stem contact averaged 35 days (7-day cold soak, 2+ weeks fermentation, and 2+ week extended maceration). From the press, the wine was transferred directly to neutral barrels (15-20-year-old French oak) where it remained sur lie with no sulfur until July when it was gently pressure racked for the first time and prepared for bottling in August. Yields were 2.75 lbs/vine (2.5 tons per acre).