Vinification Notes: Syrah from our estate was picked by hand at optimum ripeness, before being destemmed and crushed, then undergoing a 19-day fermentation with pumpovers twice daily. Aging occurred for 16 months. To limit oak influence and accentuate the syrah fruit, 42% of the lot was aged in a 900-gallon French foudre. The remaining wine was aged in 60-gallon French and American barriques.
Sensory Notes: A perfect example of warmer climate syrah at its best! From its aromas of smoke and ripe blackberry to its enticing flavors of dark currant and white pepper spice, this wine offers appealing complexity that concludes with a long, elegant finish graced by lingering flavors of mocha and sweet oak.
Vineyard Notes: Our Lily Hill Estate vineyard is located on the western slope of the Dry Creek Valley, directly above our wine cave. Though renowned for its old-vine zinfandel, Lily Hill has also emerged as a remarkable site for growing premium syrah vines. Shaped by the valley’s heat, the grapes from these vines highlight both syrah’s appealing bright fruit side and its natural sophistication.
Vintage Synopsis: Though yields were down, the 2008 growing season was a rewarding one for winegrowers in Sonoma County. As is often the case in low-yielding vintages, 2008 produced riper and more complex wines. A few heat spikes had wineries scrambling, but the return of cool weather and fog allowed the lion’s share of the fruit to remain on the vine long enough to develop full, ripe flavors.
Cellar Recommendation: Drink from 2011 through 2017.
Retail price: $40 Strictly limited production. Only 600 cases produced.