2019 "A" Cuvée Syrah
2019 "A" Cuvée Syrah
Beautiful cool climate Syrah. Aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, Kalamata olive and cracked black pepper.
Description
This full-bodied wine showcases the beautiful aromatics and flavors found in cool climate Syrah. Rich, concentrated aromas of ripe blackberry and plum are accented by hints of cured meat, Kalamata olive, cracked black pepper and subtle floral notes. Vibrant flavors of black raspberry and wild game are highlighted by a touch of forest floor and vanilla bean. The plush texture is supported by rich, firm tannins and culminates in an opulent, persistent finish. The wine’s complex profile will only be enhanced with additional time in the cellar.
Vineyard Notes
62% Watch Hill Vineyard and 38% John Sebastiano Vineyard. Watch Hill Vineyard is a moderately cool site, located in the Los Alamos Valley of Santa Barbara County in the newly created Alisos Canyon AVA. The property consists of 22 acres of Syrah vines planted to the finest clones and rootstocks. John Sebastiano Vineyard, located at the eastern end of Sta. Rita Hills, is planted on steep hillsides with sandy, lime-rich soils. The vines struggle to ripen in the cool westerly marine winds, resulting in great concentration and dramatic aromas and flavors
Production Notes
The 2019 vintage enjoyed a long, cool growing season, which resulted in bright aromatics, complex flavors and well-balanced natural acidity in the grapes. A mild spring led to late budbreak and bloom, and temperatures remained below average for most of the growing season. Warmer late summer weather kicked off the harvest season, and while our Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noirs were harvested in mid to late September, Syrahs did not ripen until about a month later. Grapes were harvested from Watch Hill Vineyard on October 23 and from John Sebastiano Vineyard on October 14.
Winemaker Notes
This Syrah was crafted using an adaptation of Australian winemaking techniques focused on extraction early in the fermentation process, minimizing the risk of harsh tannins. The grapes were crushed into tanks and given a four-day cold soak. At the conclusion of fermentation, the lots were pressed immediately and aged separately for 16 months in French oak barrels with 31% new French oak in the mix. The lots were then blended and bottled on March 31, 2021. Only 137 cases produced.
| Vintage |
2019 |
| Wine Style |
Red Wine |
| Varietal |
100% Syrah |
| Appellation |
Santa Barbara County |
| Acid |
6.15 g/L |
| PH |
3.78 |
| Alcohol % |
14.4 |
| Size |
750 ml |
