Winemaker's Notes
While we still had access to the Bliss Vineyard Syrah, I arranged to work with two additional Syrah Vineyards beginning in 2006. One of these vineyards was converted to Syrah (at my suggestion) from other varieties. It has taken a couple of years after grafting over for it to settle into its ‘groove’ and display its true personality. Therefore, through careful blending I am happy to offer this nice expression of Russian River Valley Syrah. Bottled in late summer, it really shows its stuff several hours after decanting. Pretty, not-over-the-top Syrah character, blue fruits, black pepper, mild earthiness and mouth-watering succulence make it a wonderful wine for fall and winter cuisine. One of the things I love about cool-climate Syrah is the perfume it has as well as some mild similarities to large-framed Pinot Noir.
Judi Scherrer –
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar – May 2009
Bright violet. Blackberry and cassis on the nose. soft black raspberry and blackcurrant flavors show no rough edges but pick up a slightly warm character with air. I’m not sure I’d have guessed this was syrah. A round, easygoing wine that finishes with gentle sweetness and good length. 88 points. Josh Raynolds