2000 Syrah, California
Vintage
2000
Price
$22
Release Date
Januray 2003
Appellation
California
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Sonoma County - Pigoni, Polesky & Wattle Creek Vineyards
- Paso Robles - Shell Creek Vineyard
- Santa Maria Valley - Bien Nacido Vineyard
- Mendocino - McNab Ranch Vineyard
Grapes
- Syrah
- Petite Sirah
Download
- Wine Notes [.pdf 17k]
Vintage
Vintage 2000 provided us with excellent fruit. The growing season began with the warmest winter on record, which gave way to a very warm spring punctuated by a record heat spell in mid June. The warm weather moved us two to three weeks ahead of schedule. A more temperate summer followed, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly. The long, drawn out harvest yielded extremely high quality fruit giving us wine with tremendous body and texture.
Vinification
After aggressive crop-thinning and a long growing seasons, grapes from warm and cool vineyards 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 fermenters for 9-12 days with daily punching down and pumpovers at temperatures up to 85 degrees. The lots were aged in oak barrels for 16 months. The wines were blended and bottled in May 2002. Alcohol: 14.5%, Total acidity .62, pH 3.60, Residual sugar .04. 6174 cases were produced.
Tasting Notes
Complex aromas are of black fruit, smoky tar and dried herb. The mouthfeel is soft with flavors of black cherry, herb and sweet earth. The finish is long and noted by ripe fruit. Drink or cellar for up to 5 years.