“I am a horribly stingy scorer. For a young, non-classic wine to get 18 points out of 20 from me is embarrassingly rare. So today’s wine really is exceptional in my view….”  – Jancis Robinson, August 2017 (Click here to read the full article.)

2013 summed up to be a perfect vintage with clear sunny days and cool evenings.  This produced a long, moderate growing season with extended hang time and even ripening, resulting in supple tannins and a full range of typical Syrah flavors.

We like the inclusion of whole Syrah clusters in the fermentation and so add 25%; this seems to heighten the “Syrahness.” Other aspects of fermentation and élevage are the same as with all of our winemaking—native yeast and malolactic fermentations. This vintage aged sur lies with monthly bâtonnage and rested 24 months in 100% new French barrels. This wine was bottled without filtration in January 2016.

This unique property is on the western, cooler side of Sonoma Mountain, which provides the savory character that to us defines Syrah.