2002 Syrah, California
Winemaker Notes
After working through the growing season to maximize the potential of each vineyard, grapes from warm and cool vineyard sites were crushed and individually cold-soaked at 55 degrees for two days prior to fermentation to extract color and intensity while controlling tannins. Fermentation took place in open and closed-top fermentors for 7-12 days with daily punching down and pumpovers at temperatures up to 85 degrees. The lots were aged in oak barrels for 15 months. The wines were blended and bottled in April 2003. Alcohol: 14.5%, Total acidity .56, pH 3.8, Residual sugar .16. 4,068 cases were produced.
Tasting Notes
Complex aromas of black fruit, smoky tar and dried herb. The mouthfeel is soft with flavors of black plum, vanilla and black pepper. The finish is long and noted by ripe fruit. Drink or cellar for up to 5 years. Serve with grilled meats, beef stew or hearty pizzas.
Benziger Farming Practices
Benziger Family Winery is leading a new definition of wine quality through its Farming for FlavorsTM, organic and Biodynamic® winegrowing practices. Their 85-acre, certified Biodynamic Sonoma Mountain estate has become a research and teaching center for the cultivation of grapes with more flavor, intensity and site-specific vineyard character. The family shares its farming knowledge and experience with their longtime grower partners throughout Sonoma County.
Grapes for all Benziger wines are grown by one of three farming methods: Farming for Flavors, organic or Biodynamic. By reducing chemicals that mask the unique personality of vineyard sites, restoring the land and encouraging biodiversity on the farm, Benziger growers distinguish their fruit from all others. This distinction is of great importance to the grapegrower who makes a truly unique product, but also to the consumer who can trust that the passion of family farming and the delicious diversity of Sonoma County can be tasted in every bottle of high quality, handcrafted Benziger wine.
Benziger History
More than 25 years ago, Mike and Mary Benziger discovered the overgrown ranch that would become Benziger Family Winery. They purchased the land with the help of Mike's father, Bruno Benziger, a wine and spirits importer from New York. A year later, Mike's parents and his six siblings moved to Glen Ellen to help build the winery. Today, more than two-dozen Benzigers live on and around the estate winery in Sonoma County.
Terry Nolan, Winemaker