Vinification notes:
Syrah fruit from several select vineyards was crushed and destemmed after a thorough sorting. Fermentation continued for 15 days, followed by an extended maceration of 4 days after dryness. This extra skin contact helped to bring rich, complex tannins and a full texture to the finished wine. Pumpovers were performed twice daily.

Sensory Notes:
This inky-hued syrah is unmistakably intense from the first hint of its smoky aroma of dried fruit and white pepper. Rich and indulgent on the palate, this syrah delivers intense flavors of bright rhubarb and dark, earthy tannins. A surprisingly smooth finish firmly but politely insists on another decadent sip. Expect this syrah to evolve wonderfully for another 8-10 years

Vineyard Notes:
Sonoma County syrah is comprised of some of the most intense, expressive syrah fruit in this area. Grapes from our Lily Hill estate are blended with Alexander Valley and Sonoma Coast fruit, resulting in a complex blend of pure syrah that perfectly illustrates why this elegant Rhône varietal is so at home in Sonoma County.

Vintage Synopsis:
2006 was a challenging but rewarding harvest season. Cooler temperatures made for a prolonged harvest that allowed the grapes to develop deep, rich flavor and color. The brief threat of rain in early October put us on the alert, but with some moderate thinning and cluster sorting, an excellent vintage was achieved. A good balance of sugar and acid in the fruit yielded dark, complex wines that rank among the best we have ever released.

Strictly limited production.