1997 Syrah, California
Vintage
1997
Price
$18
Release Date
October 1999
Appellation
California
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Santa Maria - Bien Nacido
- Central Coast - Shell Creek
- Alexander Valley - Waddle Creek, Polesky
Grapes
100% Syrah
Vintage
This Syrah was harvested from three distinctly different areas, Bien Nacido Vineyard with a long growing season and cool climate, Shell Creek with a much warmer climate and shorter growing season, and Sonoma County, which also has a warm, long growing season. Shell Creek provided full fruit flavor and aromas while Bien Nacido is less forward but with complex layers and herb and black pepper flavors. Our two Alexander Valley Vineyards, Waddle Creek and Polesky Vineyards had stellar growing seasons. With the long, warm season in Alexander Valley, the fruit can hang longer which allows the grapes to become fully mature, thus adding more intensity and complexity to the wine.
Vinification
Four lots from the two vineyards were crushed and individually cold-soaked at 55 degrees Fahrenheit for two days prior to fermentation to extract color and intensity while controlling tannins. Fermentation took place in small open-top fermentors for 9-12 days with daily punching down at temperatures up to 85 degrees. The lots were aged in French and American barrels for 16 months. The wines were blended and bottled, in July 1999. Alcohol: 14.7%, total acidity .61, pH 3.57, residual sugar .06. 2,932 cases produced.
Tasting Notes
Complex aromas 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. Should age well over the next 5-7 years.