|
2006 Pax Syrah, Eastern Ridge, Russian River Valley
The Russian River Valley like most of the viticultural appellations of California is much larger than it should be. Politics drive the decisions and things like climate and soil are overlooked. The Eastern border of the Russian River Appellation is a warm rocky ridgeline w/ tremendous grape growing potential. The soils are filled w/ rocks and the days stay warmer later in the day, as it takes the marine influence longer to arrive in the evenings. Rocky soils tend to deprive the naturally vigorous Syrah vines of the water and nutrient availability that enables them to be vigorous. This low vigor insures intensity and concentration and while the Syrah grown in these rocky hillsides is extremely impressive, they don't remind us of a classic Russian River Syrah. We are thrilled to offer fans of the riper more luscious style of Syrah a naturally concentrated pure California Syrah. The 100% whole-cluster fermentation "tames" the sweetness of the ripe fruit and adds enough tannin to make even this warm climate bottling spicy and savory.
|
|
Tasting Note:
Ripe black plum, leather, lard and brown spices fill the nose. The palate is rich and full in the middle w/ loads of spice balancing the ripe black fruit. The finish brings chalky mountain tannins and rich black fruits that are enlivened by naturally bright acid and a red cherry pit flavor.
|
