2003 The Vocation Rhone Blend
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Grape Variety: 48% Syrah, 29% Grenache 15% Mourvedre, 8% Petite Sirah

Appellation: Paso Robles

Analysis: Alcohol: 14.8% pH: 3.73 TA: .66 g/100ml RS: .25%

Harvest Dates: 9/23/03 to 10/10/03 Five Vineyards Harvested

Barrel Ageing: 20 months in 30% new French oak

Cases Produced: 682 six packs

Suggested Retail Price: $32

Tasting Notes
Floral notes of rose petals, ripe cherry, and cocoa mingle with spicy nuances of almond and wintergreen in the complex aroma of this alluring wine. Medium-bodied, the plum and nutty flavors are superbly balanced with silky tannins and firm acidity. Serve at cellar temperature with Italian cuisine or roast poultry. Enjoy now, or put down until 2009. Vintage 2003 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 The Vocation is making the most fruit-forward and balanced wine possible, utilizing Rhone varietals from Paso Robles, and what a rewarding job that is! In a departure from previous vintages, we increased the proportion of Grenache and Mourvedre, in order to showcase the bright fruitiness these varietals contribute. We also introduced a small percentage of Petite Sirah, adding a bit of spice to the blend. Each varietal was harvested at full ripeness, allowed to cold-soak for two days, inoculated with a special Rhone yeast strain, and fermented until dryness for maximum extraction. Barrel-aged separately, we blended for finesse, complexity and structure immediately before bottling.