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2006 Spicerack Vineyards Syrah "Punchdown", Sonoma CoastWe call our Syrah "Punchdown" to reflect the many times the cap was punched down during fermentation. It is very enjoyable now as it displays the richness and varietal typicity of great California Syrah with nuances of Rhône-esque white pepper. Oak and alcohol are very minor players. Under proper cellar conditions it should improve for several years.
Price: $25/bottle Free shipping on 6+ bottles! • Awards & Accolades •2006 Vintage 91 POINTS - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED EXCEPTIONAL "As pioneers in Marin County Riesling, Susan and Jonathan Pey thrive on the wine road less traveled. After an impressive Paso Robles Syrah last year, they turned their attention north. This new effort hails from two Sonoma Coast vineyards, including the site where David Ramey sources his Syrah. Now for the twist: The wine all went into neutral barrels, with the result a lean, focused Syrah that's hinged on savory pepper and tart berry, and no oak to speak of. At just over 13 percent alcohol, it's a rare breed for California Syrah, with bright fruit taking center stage."
2004 Vintage 92 Points - Good Value! 90 Points!
• Vintage 2006•As illustrated by the almost complete flooding and destruction of our Marin County home, winter precipitation in 2006 along the coast north of San Francisco was considerable. The growing season continued to be incredibly wet – even into April. Just when we were about to build an ark the skies cleared and warmth arrived in spades in May. A welcome heat spike in July and a warm August helped the vines ripen wonderfully into harvest.
• Two Cool Climate Vineyards•Our "Punchdown" Syrah comes from two unique sites. The terrain of the "Quarry Hills" vineyard, planted in 1996 in chilly southwestern Sonoma, is characterized by dry, gently rolling western sloping hills prone to considerable wind from the Pacific Ocean. The soil profile is of volcanic origin and provides good drainage. The "Rodgers Creek" hillside vineyard, planted in 1997, is next to the "Durrell" and "Les Pierres" vineyards and may be familiar to some as the home of David Ramey’s and others critically-acclaimed Syrahs. Thin, sandy soils and gusty winds define the site and deliver superb meatiness and white pepper notes reminiscent of Rhône Valley Syrah. In short, these are exceptional cool-climate environments for Rhône varietals. • Winemaking •Compact bunches of tiny Syrah berries were hand-harvested on September 29 and October 15 at what today is considered low Brix for California wine (about 24.9 Brix). Grapes were hand sorted, destemmed & crushed (5% whole berry) and "cold soaked" for four days in open-top temperature-controlled fermenters. On Day 5 the fermentations began naturally with native yeasts and were later inoculated with cultured yeasts. Warm fermentation temperature (85°) moved fermentation along and multiple "punchdowns" kept the cap well immersed in its dark and delicious fermenting must. On Day 8 the still-fermenting Syrah was gently pressed into 59 gallon French oak barriques where it slowly completed primary and secondary fermentations. Press fractions were kept separate (and ultimately not used). Our French barrels were very high quality, but all were fully "seasoned" and imparted no oak flavor to the wine. This let the purity of this noble variety and superb vineyard sites shine through. Twelve months in these neutral barrels was supplemented with four rackings which contributed exotic spiciness and wonderful, smooth but subtle mouth-feel. Our assemblage in November 2007 consisted of roughly two parts "Quarry Hills" vineyard, one part "Rodgers Creek" vineyard, enhanced with a touch of Grenache which built brightness and balance. We call our Syrah "Punchdown" to reflect the many times the cap was punched down during fermentation. It is very enjoyable now as it displays the richness and varietal typicity of great California Syrah with nuances of Rhône-esque white pepper. Oak and alcohol are very minor players. Under proper cellar conditions it should improve for several years. • Wine Facts • Regional Composition: 100% Sonoma Coast: Quarry Hills Vineyard 65%, Rodgers Creek Vineyard 31%,
Fact Sheet
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Or send your order by fax to 415.258.WINE or email us at info@scenicrootwinegrowers.com. Free shipping on 6+ bottles!
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