This is our largest planting by area, with three vineyards totaling six hectares. Each vineyard has distinct character in terms of its elevation, aspect, soil, rootstock, and clone which gives us flexibility in creating deep, complex, and balanced wines. Syrah is exceptionally well-suited to our microclimate and thrives in the granite rich soils that dominate our landscape.
2008 was one of the coolest, most moderate vintages we have experienced in the past decade. Relatively late véraison and extended hanging times resulted in good phenolic ripeness and elegant flavors.
At harvest, fruit is hand-sorted twice, lightly crushed, and cold soaked for nearly a week before the start of fermentation. This allows the flavours and colours contained within the skins to soak into the wine gently and naturally. The wine is oxygenated via daily délestage and racked into 225l French oak barrels at the end of primary fermentation. The wines remain in barrel during malolactic fermentation and for 18 months of maturation before bottling.
This Syrah reminds us of toasty black cherries, fennel, cloves, and dark chocolate: a perfect match for rich flavours. The wine is smooth and balanced to delight the connoisseur and convert the newcomer. The oak is well-integrated and will age ideally through 2014 or beyond.
