2016 Syrah

WINEMAKER NOTES

SMELLS LIKE:   bright black raspberry, blueberry, allspice
TASTES LIKE:   boysenberry, blueberry, sweet tobacco
MOUTHFEEL:   rich, soft, balanced, elegant tannins on the finish
DRINK WITH:   gyros, paella, BBQ pork fajitas, cheesecake

THE 2016 VINTAGE

2016 was the longest harvest we can remember. It was one of the earliest growing seasons on record, bud break, bloom and veraison were all the earliest we have ever seen. We started picking in August and didn’t finish until mid-October (just before the rain!). This combination of early and long created the best of both worlds. 2016 is poised to go down in the books as one of the most perfect growing seasons. April and May were warm and dry with temperatures jumping into the triple digits by early June. This hot start led to a large crop, with larger berries and cluster weights. Cooler temperatures arrived mid-summer and continued through harvest. As things cooled significantly it allowed for long hang times and optimal picking dates. This long season allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving freshness and elegance in the wines.

VITICULTURE

100% estate; sustainably farmed.
Founding member of VINEA.

WINE SPECIFICS

VARIETALS:  88% Syrah, 12% Grenache
VINEYARDS:  30% Seven Hills, 25% Les Collines, 18% Stone Valley,
15% Pepper Bridge, 12% Summit View
APPELLATION:  100% Walla Walla Valley
OAK PROGRAM:  100% French; 84% Neutral, 16% New

HARVEST DATES:  9/1 – 10/3/2016
FINISHED ALCOHOL:  14.6%
PRODUCTION:  1,478 cases