2016 Syrah RESERVE

Our 2016 Syrah RESERVE once again exceeded my expectations. This vintage is full-bodied and plush with flavors of black raspberry and cured meats; the depth and structure of this silky varietal provide long cellaring potential. The drought climate of 2016 allowed these grapes to gradually develop flavor and tannin while retaining natural acidity. Long, long finish. Enjoy each sip!

Viticulture and Winemaking

Variety: Syrah Noir, planted 1999 in single vineyard block, the Flagship red variety from the Northern Rhone of France. Noir meaning “dark”, this is a traditional grape from Cote Rotie and Hermitage.

Region: Fair Play, El Dorado County, Sierra Foothills

Vintage: 2016

Production: 55 cases of RESERVE

Fermentation: Macerated 7 days on the skins, gently pressed, then allowed to complete primary and secondary fermentation in 100% New Taransaud French Oak barrels. Barrel-aged another 20 months and bottle aged 5 years prior to release.

Winemakers Notes: These vines are trained on a quadra-lateral trellis system to reduce the vigor of the canes and concentrate the energy of the plant to the fruit. As a result, this vineyard consistently produces one of the top Syrah’s in all of California year after year. 2016 produced a full-bodied and elegantly structured Syrah, rich with dark violet, blackberry and black currant fruit.