2016 Syrah
Edna Valley
In Stock
We farm 8 acres of Syrah at Jespersen Ranch. The cooler climate can be a challenge as Syrah takes longer to ripen than other varietals but in warmer years, the fruit ripens perfectly. 2016 had temperate weather with a heat spike towards the end of the season which brought the Syrah grapes to full ripeness and accentuated the signature black pepper and spice this cool-climate site is known for.
Syrah from Jespersen Ranch is a wonderful contrast to our Syrah from Heart Hill Vineyard and how it is treated in the winery emphasizes these nuanced differences. We fermented this wine with 20% whole cluster to bring out the spice and tannin that Syrah is known for. A stressed, warm fermentation followed by aging for 22 months in large format French oak barrels, 20% of which were new oak, accentuated the dark fruit characteristics while preserving the pepper and spice notes. The resulting wine is dark and brooding - the layers will continue to develop with air so decant or aerate it for the full effect.
VINEYARD 95% Jespersen Ranch, 5% Heart Hill Vineyard
BLEND 100% Syrah