2010 Bennett Valley Syrah
52% Bennett Valley Syrah, Jemrose Vineyard
48% Bennett Valley Syrah, Steiner Vineyard
Although our Jemrose fruit is usually bottled on its own as “Cardiac Hill”, we found that in this vintage, blending with Syrah from Steiner Vineyard created a better wine. Both vineyards were picked near the very end of harvest on October 21st. Approximately 20% of each lot was not destemmed. After 19 days on the skins, each lot was pressed to French oak, 35% new, and then blended after malolactic fermentation. Unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Very dark crimson purple. Nearly opaque. Explosive aromas of blackberry, graphite, and spring flowers. Really blossoms with air. The wine enters smoothly, displaying plenty of black and blue fruit with a note of violet. Quite suave and sophisticated on the palate with caressing tannins on the finish. A beautifully balanced cool-climate Syrah that has a long, long life ahead of it. Optimum drinking should be 2015 to 2025. (MRO – 07/18/12)