Appellation:
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast

Growing season notes:
A very wet start to this growing season evolved into a mild spring and very warm summer.  Our grapes were handpicked pre-dawn on September 7th. 

Winemaking notes:
Our 2017 Syrah went through 35% whole-cluster fermentation.  We continued to use the classic French pigeage a pied (foot-tread) method to submerge the must into the wine during primary fermentation of the whole cluster berries.  The juice was barreled down to ~40% new Hungarian barrels, contributing some roundness and spiciness through malolactic fermentation.  It was aged for 20 months in barrel, bottled in June 2019, and laid down for another 20 months to mature. 129 cases produced.

Tasting notes:
Our Fort Ross-Seaview vineyard nails it again, with all the expected attributes of prior vintages, namely peppery notes well integrated into dark brooding fruit.

Wine Enthusiast 97 Points

"…this supercomplex, interesting and spicy wine dances in black and white pepper, dried fruit and iron notes. Structured and well integrated, it holds its power with grace and lasting elegance, showing an impressive alignment between site, variety and style."- V.B.