Syrah
'Sasha', Calypso Vineyard, Russian River Valley,

The more feminine of our two regional Syrah bottlings, we have chosen to call this ‘Sasha’. It expresses more of the blueberry/white pepper side of the grape and can be served with foods that suit a larger-framed Pinot Noir. This variety also has a tendency to age well beyond one’s expectations based upon sheer size.

From the cooler parts of the Russian River Valley, this Syrah demonstrates the finer qualities of the Syrah grape. Redolent of black pepper, violets, and a mysterious earthiness, it has sufficient restraint to be fantastic when paired with food — yet it offers surprising depth as well.

My favorite syrahs tend to come from sites where the grapes may not be able to ripen to the same degree every vintage. Calypso Vineyard, perched in a slightly warmer, higher site inside this very cool area, is one of those. It is farmed practically single–handedly by owner Otis Holt, and is truly a labor of love.