2003 was the 10th growing season for our Syrah vines. Our Syrah vines were planted in 1994, which, as it turns out, makes them older than 90+% of the Syrah vines planted in California. We are finding that with each passing vintage, our bottled Syrah shows a little more richness and complexity with greater depth of fruit flavors.

The 2003 Syrah is a more structured wine than the 2002, yet its flavors are better developed than the 2002 was at the same point in its life. In 2003, we decided to begin aging the wine an extra 6 months in barrel in order to better integrate aromas and flavors, so this wine spent a total of 22 months in French oak. We also co-fermented the Syrah with 3% Viognier to give the wine a softer entry and a touch more juiciness. Because of these changes, our Syrah will be ready to enjoy upon release."

Estate Vineyard Blocks: Estate Vineyard Block: Syrah North and East Slopes, North facing Viognier Block

Blend: 97% Syrah, 3% Viognier

14.7 % alcohol

Price: $25

Cases Produced: 425

Tasting Note: Pencil lead, cedar, wood smoke, white pepper, and shaved white chocolate aromas. These follow in the mouth, along with blackberry, dark chocolate, cream, and a very long finish. The 2003 Syrah is thick textured, with precise tannins and good acidity which will enable this wine to age gracefully and make it taste wonderful with meals. As usual, it is the most complex and layered of our wines.

Click here to read about our 2002 Syrah.

Click here to read about our 2001 Syrah.