2002 Syrah from Paras Vineyard Vineyard in

Winemaker Notes

Paras Vineyard produces an unusually serious Syrah with very little of the cute, fruity character many Syrahs have. The grape must is dehydrated by almost half of its weight before it starts getting the big intense flavors we look for. After crushing, the fruit was cold soaked about four days, then it was allowed to get good and hot during fermentation. As is traditionally done in northern Rhône, we cofermented the Syrah with a small amount of Viognier to add another dimension to the wine and to enhance the color. The grapes rested on the skins for at least 21 days, then were pressed and put immediately into new barrels. The 2002 has a ripe tannin structure and elegance with aromas of Tellicherry black pepper, briary black cherry and black licorice.