2005 Carneros Syrah

91 points - Tasting Panel Magazine
88 points - Wine Spectator
88 points - Connoisseur's Guide to California Wine

Grape Source

Hand harvested at night from our 1000-acre Estate vineyard in the heart of Carneros. Set along a south-facing hillside overlooking the San Francisco Bay, this breathtaking property has more than 100 blocks delineated by geology and topography.

Vintage

In 2005, bud break began in late March, assuring a more typical season than 2004, when bud break occurred three weeks ahead of normal.  Some light rains in spring missed the Carneros region during bloom and fruit set, so crop levels were slightly above normal in most blocks.  The healthy crop load led to selective fruit thinning throughout the growing season, ensuring excellent intensity of flavor and balance. The Syrah was harvested the 3rd week of October, after a very cool September.  The harvest of 2005 will be remembered for producing wines of great quality, varietal character and elegance.

Winemaking

The grapes were handpicked at night to preserve the fruit character.  The grapes were hand-sorted twice on our belt system and gently destemmed.  Each lot was cold soaked for a minimum of five days to maximize color and flavor extraction. The must was fermented in small open-top fermenters, with three punch downs per day along with daily drain and returns building texture and complexity into the wine.  After an average of 17 days on the skins, the wine was pressed gently and aged for fourteen months in 33% new French oak, with the balance in one and two-year-old barrels.

Winemaker's Notes

A wonderful expression of cool climate Syrah – the gamey side of Syrah is balanced by the elegance and finesse of the cool climate fruit.  The 2005 Carneros Syrah has aromas of bright blueberry and boysenberry, nutmeg, black licorice and smoked meats.  The palate explores hints of toastiness and exhibits flavors of berry and currant spice, ending in a lingering finish of plum.  Try this wine with pan seared venison steak and sweet potato mash.

Past Vintages