2002 Signature Edition Co-Ferment Syrah
The Vintage
2002 was particularly warm with an extended Indian summer, allowing the fruit here in the great Yakima Valley to develop deep, ripe fruit flavors. Better estates were rewarded with superb fruit, especially those who focus special attention on growing quality fruit, by keeping crop levels low (below 4 tons/acre) and monitoring water to control growth and vigor of the vines.
The Vineyard
One hundred percent of the Viognier and Syrah in the 2002 Co-Ferment Syrah came from our own Kestrel View Estate Vineyard. Although much of our Estate was planted in 1972, making the vines some of the oldest in the state, the Viognier and Syrah were planted more recently, in 1999, when we realized the potential for Rhône varietals here in the Yakima Valley. Washington State, and especially the Yakima Valley, seem to be ideally suited for growing both varieties, due to long summer days that boast in excess of 16 hours of sunshine per day. Follow this with our extended autumns, providing warm days and cool nights-factors perfect for producing grapes with ripe fruit flavors and good acidities.
The Winemaking
As the Syrah was picked we included eight percent, by weight, Viognier to the Syrah. All the fruit from our Kestrel View Estate Vineyard was carefully handpicked and sorted, removing all defective fruit, leaves, or stems. It was then destemmed and crushed into a fermenter where it was pumped over twice daily to extract color and flavor from both varieties. By adding Viognier to Syrah we were able to create a Syrah with a floral-spice element that is actually darker in color than the Syrah would have been on its own, a phenomenon known as co-pigmentation.
The Wine
The color is inky. In the aroma you will distinctly find the contribution from the Viognier's floral element in hints of violet and lavender. Under the floral perfume, copious quantities of dark ripe fruits and spice such as blackberry, huckleberry, black current and clove will explode on your palate. To say the least, this is a full bodied wine with a lingering finish of berries and firm tannins. This wine will stand up to the heartiest of fare, or can be enjoyed on its own.
| PH |
|
3.57 |
| TA |
|
6.9 g/liter |
| ALC |
|
13.8% |
| RS |
|
1 g /liter |
| Cases |
|
225 |
| Release Date |
|
December 2004 |
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|
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