Santa Barbara County

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2009 was a vintage of power and ripeness. It is on display in this most elegant syrah from organic and biodynamic Presidio Vineyard, located west of the Santa Rita Hills Appellation. You will find all the exotic aromatics expected from cool climate syrah– classic pepper and cranberry notes–but also this deliciously ripe wine is endowed with a fleshy texture and an amply tannic frame. The site has real magic as it seem to invariably produce a layered rendition of the varietal.  This syrah can easily be held for 5 to 8 years longer, and it will develop more complexity as the fruit fades, but right now it is delicious and can be enjoyed today.

This fruit was destemmed without crushing and fermented in open top stainless steel tanks.  After a 6 day cold soak, the must was punched down frequently by hand during the initial part of fermentation, and then only once a day towards the end.  After 14 days the new wine was pressed gently with a pneumatic press, and after an overnight settling was placed in French oak barrels, 20% which were new.  We held this wine in barrel for 21 months, and then bottled it without fining or filtration.

Blend: 100% Syrah | Alcohol: 14.0% | Vinification: 20% New French Oak | Barrel Aging: 21 Months | Total Production: 44 cases

Press Reviews

Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

“Bright violet color.  Dark berries, smoky minerals and incense on the pungent nose.  Juicy and expansive in the mouth, offering appealingly sweet black and blue fruit flavors and a hint of candied violet.  Finishes subtly tannic and very fruity, with impressive clarity and mineral-driven persistence.” – JR 93 Points