1999 SYRAH “BIEN NACIDO HILLSIDE ESTATE”

This wine is 100% Syrah from the Hillside Estate “Z” block at Bien Nacido Vineyards. 1999 (the La Niña vintage) was extremely cool with late bud break, a long cool summer and fairly cool weather during ripening in the fall. We harvested on November 17^th and 18^th at an average of 23.2 degrees brix, 3.23 pH and 8.5 grams acidity. The grapes were de-stemmed into open top fermenters and cold soaked for two days. On the third day fermentation started and we began the daily regimen of punching down manually twice a day. On day five, we drew out 10-15% saignée into brand new François Frères French oak barrels and barrel fermented that portion. The wine was aged 20 months in French oak barrels (60% new). 20 cases were bottled without fining or filtration in June 2001.

This is a heady, spicy and well-balanced version of this wine. Because of the cool growing season, the wine has relatively low alcohol (13.2%) and refreshing acidity. The aroma shows white pepper, dried raspberry and an intriguing mocha character from the barrel fermentation. The flavors are concentrated without being heavy with bright fruit in the mouth and a long, zesty finish. This wine should age beautifully over the next 10-20 years.