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Syrah is a beast that needs to be tamed! With true vine tendencies, this varietal will gladly grow wild. We pull in the reins from this break away horse and put extra time and effort into our vine cultivation. This is the last varietal that we prune, we shoot thin aggressively and throughout the growing season we hedge early and often. We use 50% new burgundy French oak barrels to bring a soft touch to the powerful fruit profile. We harvest our one acre block multiple times, keeping the lots separate, to bring complexity and a range of acid profiles to the final blend. We saignée immediately up to 10% of the juice to further concentrate the aromas and flavors. This wine is a meal in a glass and serves as the closer to the end of a long day. I like to enjoy this wine after the table has been cleared, seated quietly and contemplatively, with an aged blue cheese and some salted almonds. ~ Michael Baldacci
Rich, dark chocolate aromas are followed by macerated blackberry fruit flavors with nicely punctuated notes of black pepper spiciness.
Vintage: 2017
Varietal: Syrah
Appellation: Los Carneros
Vineyard Designation: Honey B Vineyard
Bottling Date: April 24, 2019
Cases Produced: 97 cases (12 x 750ml)
Our Honey B Vineyard on Cuttings Wharf Road in the Los Carneros AVA is a 20 acre parcel planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot and Gewürztraminer. We have owned the vineyard since 2008 and we love this cool climate region. Our Wente Chardonnay clone is the backbone of our white wine program while the Calera clone brings richness to our Pinots. Both the Merlot and Syrah are part of our Fraternity Red Wine Blend while the Gewürztraminer finds a home in a late harvest expression. We've also embarked on Blanc de Blanc style of sparkling wine made from the Chardonnay. The expansiveness of this region is extraordinary while the mild climate and low elevation provide consistency and predictability to our farming practices. We love the opportunity to stretch ourselves beyond the Cabernet Sauvignon wines that are the hallmark of our family's brand. Certified Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming
