2008 Syrah

100% Napa Valley Syrah from the Hyde Vineyard.

Grapes were harvested at an average 24.6o Brix, fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged 18 months in a combination of new French oak barrels (50%) and two-year-old French oak (50%) from coopers Ermitage, François Frères, Sirugue and Saint Martin. The wine was bottled unfiltered in June 2010.

Aromas of licorice, floral characteristics and subtle hints of white pepper layer the nose of the 2008 Syrah.  The juicy finish coats the palate with flavors of sweet black fruits and coffee, followed by fine grain tannins and an elegant, silky length.

The 2008 growing season began with lower than normal rainfall for the second year in a row, and the longest cold and frosty spring ever recorded since 1971.  May brought unusually high temperatures in the midst of bloom during the latter part of the month.  Such drastic weather changes lead to imbalances in the vine, especially at this important time in the life cycle, prompting flower fertilization to cease prematurely. Surprisingly this was a blessing in disguise leading to looser and lighter cluster formation and lowering overall yield in the Hyde Syrah.