The Wine:
In 1978, we pioneered Syrah in Santa Barbara County and became recognized as a world-renowned producer of the varietal. We maintain this commitment through vineyard experimentation, including new high-density plantings with multiple Syrah clones. Our diversity of both vine age and clonal material delivers a Syrah with exceptional complexity, balance, and depth.
Our 2012 Syrah displays layers of ripe wild-berry, cola, pepper and our signature sage spice. The silky finish lingers from the perfectly ripe tannins with a touch of smoky oak from barrel aging.
Winemaking:
After hand harvesting, the Syrah along with a few Viognier and Grenache grapes were placed into small open-top bins to co-ferment. During fermentation, grape skins were punched down twice a day resulting in a wine of intense color, rich flavors and fine tannins. The wine was then placed into French oak barrels for 16 months to age.
Growing Season and Harvest:
2012 was a fantastic year for growing grapes in the Santa Ynez Valley. We had average rainfall in the winter months and a mild spring allowing for perfect bloom and set conditions. Summer was a touch cooler than average, permitting great flavor development at lower sugar levels. The harvest began right on schedule in early September and with stunning growing conditions continued until the first week of November.
Alc: 14.1%
pH: 3.63
** Only 9 in Stock **