2008 "A" Cuvee Syrah

Sourcing: 86% Camatta Hills Vineyard (San Luis Obispo County), 14% Bien Nacido Vineyard (Santa Maria Valley). Located in northern San Luis Obispo County, the Camatta Hills Vineyard features decomposed limestone soil, resulting in small, concentrated berries. Relatively warm temperatures produce a lush, fully developed style of Syrah. In contrast, the Bien Nacido Vineyard is situated in a very cool, low vigor site in Santa Maria Valley. Berries are also small and intensely flavored, but the expression is more richly structured, with full tannins and deep, dark fruit characteristics.

The 2008 vintage was exceptional on the Central Coast. Yields were below normal due in part to a freeze in January and a frost in April that affected new growth and young clusters. In addition, rainfall totals for the 2008 season were below average for the second year in a row. Lower yields as well as small berry size equated to superb concentration and richness in the wines. Syrah from the Camatta Vineyard was harvested on September 4; grapes from Bien Nacido were picked on November 2.

This Syrah was crafted using an adaptation of Australian winemaking techniques. Focusing on extraction early in the fermentation process brings out the best expression of the grape and minimizes the risk of harsh tannins. The grapes were crushed into tanks and given a four day cold soak. A saignée was immediately drawn off to further enhance concentration. During the most active days of fermentation, we performed ‘rack and returns’ for additional extraction. The wine was pressed immediately at the conclusion of fermentation, and then aged 19 months in 60-gallon French oak barrels with 40% new oak in the mix.

169 cases produced