2000 Dry Creek Valley Syrah

100%

Dry Creek Valley Syrah, Ray Teldeschi Ranch

pH: 3.60

T.A.: 0.700 g/100mL

Alcohol: 15.9%

Cases Produced: 112

Although young vines (the 5th leaf), diligent farming and attention to detail once again provided some exceptionally high quality fruit in this mixed vintage. Picked in mid-October at 26 brix, the grapes were completely destemmed but with only minimal crushing. After a 4 day cold soak, the must was inoculated with L2226, an alcohol tolerant strain of yeast. At the peak of fermentation 4 days later (about 8 brix), the wine was pressed into all new French (75%) and American oak (25%). The wine was gently racked twice and given a light egg white fining before being bottled unfiltered in July of 2002.

Tasting Note: Dark purple/ruby. Nearly opaque. A gorgeous, lifted nose of black fruits, licorice, mint, and vanilla leap from the glass. Extremely full and rich but with acidity and tannin to provide amazing balance for a wine so big. Hard to resist now but we feel this wine has a long life ahead of it. Would be a great ringer in a flight of McLaren Vale shiraz. (MRO - 6/30/02 )