Exclusive, Pre-Release
There is a delicate and subtle balance of fruit and savory elements in this cool-climate Syrah. Planted to shallow clay soils, this style is a direct result of the south-facing rows receiving abundant sunshine producing wonderful flavors.
Summer BBQ, hearty pasta, roasted pork, grilled salmon, Tandoori chicken, grilled steak and charcuterie.
VINEYARDS
George Cooper and Jan Garrod planted their first vines in 1972 with guidance from their neighbor, the legendary Martin Ray himself. A relationship we’ve maintained over the decades, we were excited to receive Syrah from their tiny two-acre block.
VINTAGE
Starting with rain during bloom, 2019 transitioned into a steady, slow to warm spring. Temperate throughout the summer, offering only a couple intermittent heat spikes. Average yields and incredible quality with harvest beginning in early August.
WINEMAKING
Hand-sorted and gently destemmed and transferred into small, new French oak puncheons. Punched down by hand three times daily. Basket pressed and racked to 45% new French and American oak for 18 months of aging.
Vintage: 2019
Varietal Composition: 100% Syrah
Vineyard: Bald Mountain Vineyard, Cooper-Garrod Vineyard
Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains
Brix: 24.5
pH: 3.59
TA: 5.2 g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.3%
92 Points
Aromas of blackberry, dried fig, black cherry, blackberry coulis, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cigar box. The palate offers rich and velvety tannins, dark chocolate-covered cherries, black plum, mixed berry pie and toasted walnut. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This opulent wine opens with aromas of blackberry, black plum, violets and spice on the nose. Flavors on the palate of dark cherry, sarsaparilla and orange zest wrap around dried tobacco leaf, malt chocolate and toasted vanilla, with a long, supple finish.
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