2003 "R" Syrah

Paso Robles

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I have had the pleasure of producing Syrah from Paso Robles since the early 1990s when I was the winemaker for the J. Lohr Winery. Syrah, or Shiraz as the Australians call this variety, is particularly well suited to the Paso Robles region in California's Central Coast. The thin soils, warm climate and cool nights of the Estrella River Plain help tame the vigorous nature of this grape variety and the resulting wines have deep flavors and good concentration. In keeping with my desire to produce distinctive wines with exceptional flavor I choose to come to Paso Robles for my Syrah fruit.

The 2003 vintage has the traditional deep purple color and an aroma of dense highly concentrated ripe boysenberries. Aging in barrels toasted over a hickory fire adds a unique smoky mocha dimension to the bouquet. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum mingle with a bit of black pepper spice. The texture is round and soft and the tannins are well integrated and provide a rich texture without adding astringency. Like the 2002 wine the lower pH of the 2003 vintage adds succulence to the wine and will facilitate aging and reward the patient with additional complexities.

Varietal Composition: 100% Syrah
14.3% Alc.
0.80 g/100ml TA 3.37 pH

Oak Regime:
50% American Oak
44% French Oak
6% Neutral Oak

Released: April 1, 2005
889 Cases Produced
Suggested Retail Price: $24