2016 Proprietary Syrah

This single-varietal Syrah is wonderfully expressive.  Attractive aromatics of strawberry jam, crème brulee, and chocolate-covered cherries instantly jump out of the glass.  The palate is luscious, with oak-kissed red raspberry, Bing cherry, and ripe plum, giving way to earth-driven notes of cedar wood, fresh tobacco leaf, and a punch of black peppercorn.  Soft and suedy tannins lead to a voluminous, well-textured finish complemented by hints of tarragon and dried lavender. 

Varietals: 100% Syrah  |  Aging: 18 months in 65% new American Oak

Tasting Notes

This single-varietal Syrah is wonderfully expressive. Attractive aromatics of strawberry jam, Crème Brulee, and milk chocolate covered cherries instantly jump out of the glass. The palate is luscious, with oak-kissed red raspberry, Bing cherry, and ripe plum, giving way to earth driven notes of cedar wood, fresh tobacco leaf, and a punch of black peppercorn. Soft and suedy tannins lead to a voluminous, well-textured finish complimented by hints of tarragon and dried lavender.

Vineyard Notes

In 2016, bud break in the Napa Valley was early for white varietals and later for reds. A consistent supply of rain in the winter months with a slight increase around the start of March was a welcome reprieve from the drought experienced in Napa Valley over several previous years. The higher moisture content in the soil allowed the vines to grow steadily throughout the season and without the normal heat spikes in July and August. Because of this, the fruit was able to hang longer on the vine and ripen more uniformly, helping to concentrate flavors. The result is a vintage where Mother Nature collaborated with the vineyard, allowing us to make elegant wines with depth and complexity.

Winemaker Notes

Using a combination of modern traditional winemaking techniques, we employ maceration with stem inclusion on select lots to increase earthy notes, which is traditional, and also include de-stemmed fruit to push forward the fruit flavors; a modern technique. This serves to express each flavor profile in the Syrah varietal, resulting in a more complex, layered and delicious wine.

Technical Details

Type:

Red

Varietal:

Syrah

Region:

California

Appellation:

Rutherford

Vintage:

2016