1998 Syrah, California
Vintage
1998
Price
$22
Release Date
November 2000
Appellation
California
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Santa Maria - Bien Nacido
- Central Coast - Shell Creek
- Carneros - Ricci Vineyard
Grapes
100% Syrah
Vintage
The majority of this Syrah was harvested from two distinctly different areas, Bien Nacido Vineyard, with a long growing season and cool climate and Shell Creek, with a much warmer climate and shorter 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. 1998 was a very late, very wet growing season in general; with a warm autumn that allowed sufficient hang time for full fruit maturity and balance.
Vinification
Four lots from the two 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 small open-top fermenters 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 June 2000. Alcohol: 13.9%, total acidity .63, pH 3.61, residual sugar .06. 1,668 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. Should age well over the next 5-7 years.