1999 SYRAH
SONOMA COUNTY

VINEYARD

The grapes come from Ladi's Vineyard and our vineyard, Aquarius Ranch, which are both cool-region vineyards. Ladi's Vineyard is just north of Rincon Valley in Sonoma County. The Aquarius Ranch is near the river on the western side of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County.

GROWING SEASON

The 1999 growing season was marked by a late start. A cool period late in the summer delayed harvest. Finally toward the end of September perfect ripening weather arrived. The extended ripening made for excellent quality.

WINEMAKING

The 1999 grapes were harvested early in the morning at the peak of freshness. They had 24.6% sugar. The grapes were immediately crushed and cold soaked for 24 hours for flavor and color extraction. The must was then fermented in open top fermentors and the cap was punched down every eight hours. After seven days, the wine was pressed and settled in stainless steel tanks. It was then racked into 60 gallon French oak barrels (37% new) and left to age for 13 months. The wine was bottled on November 30, 2000.

TASTING NOTES

Deep red-purple in color with aromas of black cherry, plum jam, and crushed flower petals. Medium-full bodied with berries, black currant, and toasted spice flavors. The finish lingers with notes of red currants and sweet oak.