SYRAH
VINTAGE 2003, TRINITY COUNTY
WINE DESCRIPTION
This full-bodied Syrah is abundant in aromas of blueberry pie, fresh plums, mild Kona coffee and a savory background aroma of slow-spit roasted porchetta, while flavors of big ripe boysenberry and blackberry compote integrate with rich supple tannins of scorched earth and a persistently fruity dark berry finish dusted with a hint of cocoa.
WINE MAKER’S NOTE
2003 began with an extremely cool wet spring. There were several storms that spit snow on the mountains around Hyampom through the end of April. When the sky cleared, the temperatures plummeted. The vines were way behind going into June, but caught up slowly during summer. The Syrah grapes were in the process of being harvested when the first frost of fall nipped the valley on the 15th of October.
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
This bold but balanced wine goes well with standing rare prime rib roast classically topped with horseradish sauce and garnished with Yorkshire wild berry popovers.
HYAMPOM VALLEY RANCH
The R. Merlo Estate Vineyards are located on the riverbanks of the wild and scenic South Fork of the Trinity River. Surrounded by 6000 ft. mountains on all sides, the vineyards are higher than most California vineyards, at an elevation of 1,250 feet. The valley floor has alluvial soils, allowing for excellent drainage and producing elegant yet complex flavors. The surrounding hillsides are composed of shallow native clay, which helps to create bold, well-structured wines. The growing season - a full three to four weeks later create bold, well-structured wines. The growing season - a full three to four weeks later than that of Napa or Sonoma - allows for a much slower ripening, increasing hang time and creating full concentrated flavors without over-ripening or depleting natural acids.
- GRAPE SOURCE Hyampom Valley, Trinity County, California
- AGING 18 months, in a combination of French & American Oak (approx. 25% new oak)
- TOTAL ACID/pH .68/3.54
- RESIDUAL SUGAR 0.2%
- ALCOHOL 13.8% Alcohol By Volume
- BOTTLING DATE September 2005
- PRODUCTION 1587 Cases
|
