2003 SYRAH MELVILLE
Santa Rita Hills

The cool climate in which these grapes grow, greatly influences the character of this wine. The emphasis is on spice rather than fruit. This wine is quite exotic and a bit animal-y in a very positive way. Possessing an old world aroma that is that is not overtly fruity, it immediately grabs you. It is fascinating. The fruit that shows itself is mostly reminiscent of cassis and perhaps a bit of sour plum. Tannic, yet juicy and alive: when a bottle is freshly opened, it seems almost coarse, but after 24 and then 48 hours the wine opens up and the tannins become sleek and silky--definitely a wine worth aging. The 2000 vintage was our first one with Melville vineyard and that wine is just coming together now.