Appellation:
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast

Growing season notes:
Moderate to cooler temperatures in early spring resulted in a delayed start followed by showers during bloom in May. However, temperatures were moderate from June through August which allowed the vines to balance their growth. By early August, it was clear that 2019 would be a vintage offering early approachability and balance. We handpicked on October 7.

Winemaking notes:
Our 2019 Syrah went through 40% 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 15 months in barrel, and laid down for another 30 months to mature. 230 cases produced.

Tasting notes:

Similarly approachable to the ‘18 vintage, softer notes of pepper and tobacco are present, which could be due to the additional time in bottle. Brighter fruit than the older vintages, blueberry and pomegranate present, with a mouth-watering finish. Balanced, with eathy complexity and a bit more brooding than the 18’. Perfect pairing with duck.