2003 Syrah
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Grape Variety: 84% Syrah 16% Grenache

Appellation: Paso Robles

Analysis: Alcohol: 13.9% pH: 3.75 TA: .639 g/100ml RS: 0.03%

Harvest Dates: 9/18/03—10/15/03 Five vineyards harvested

Barrel Ageing: 14 months 50% new, 50% 1&2 year old oak barrels 60% French, 40% American Cases Produced: 1,545

Tasting Notes
Our Syrah greets you with lush blackberries, molasses and a touch of honey from its considerable new oak ageing. The Grenache component adds a softer, more supple bright cherry flavor that is accentuated by a hint of vanilla. On the palate, you’ll find approachable fruit-laden tannins framed by flavors of plum coupled with a subtle earthiness and a finish that displays dark chocolate notes. The tannins are considerable, but were rounded with Grenache, making the wine drinkable on release, yet able to improve for five or more years of ageing. Vintage 2002 2003 gave us a difficult growing season, but quality seems to be quite good as a result of judicious vineyard practices throughout the year. A late start in the vineyard because of cool spring temperatures gave way to a warm summer that was marked by several small rain events and a number of heat spikes. The fall weather was very nice, maintaining warm weather that fully ripened everything by the end of October, before the first rains. Overall, the vintage produced wines with loads of fruit and above average ripeness and alcohol levels. Winemaking Our 2003 Syrah comes from four different vineyard lots of Syrah and one of Grenache. The wines were all fermented and aged separately for 14 months before blending and bottling. Fermentation began with a two day cold soak, followed by 6 to 8 days of fermentation at 85 degrees. The wines were left on the skins for 10 to 14 days before being pressed and settled for three days and put down to barrel. All wines were racked two times during ageing to remove sediment and add air to soften their tannins and help them mature.