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Wine Details
Price:
$20.00 per bottle
Description:
Continuing our association with the Besson family, local grape growers now for three generations, this Syrah comes from a vineyard that was originally planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. Besson has discovered that our climate on the west side of the valley is really too cool to properly ripen Cabernet, so he's decided to focus on Rhone and Burgundy grape varieties going forward. We could not agree with him more! This Syrah is medium dark ruby with purplish tints at the rim of the glass. Attractive aromas of plum and strawberry jam are framed by spicy notes of dill and black pepper. Flavors confirm the fruit promised in the aromas, and the wine finishes softly with a combination of soft tannins and smoky oak. Despite drinking well for a young Syrah, we think that the wine will gain complexity with another two-to-three years of bottle age.
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Varietal Definition
Syrah:
Syrah is the eight hundred pound gorilla of Rhone grapes! In the vineyard and the winery, Syrah is typically an easy grape to work with - healthy, early ripening, resistant to mildew and rot; suitable for winemaking in a variety of styles. The wines from Syrah are tannic without being harsh. The wines will have a taste and smell of dark blue fruit like blackberries and blackcurrant, with a strong spicy side where one can find freshly ground pepper and other spices. Syrah is famous for its part in the French blends, such as Côtes du Rhone and Châteauneuf du Pape.
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Cabernet Sauvignon:
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted and significant among the five dominant varieties in France’s Bordeaux region, as well as the most successful red wine produced in California. Though it was thought to be an ancient variety, recent genetic studies at U.C. Davis have determined that Cabernet Sauvignon is actually the hybrid offspring of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon berries are small with black, thick and very tough skin. This toughness makes the grapes fairly resistant to disease and spoilage and able to withstand some autumn rains with little or no damage. It is a mid to late season ripener. These growth characteristics, along with its flavor appeal have made Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most popular red wine varieties worldwide.
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