2004 RESERVE SYRAH

The Wine
Deep purple in color, this vintage has layered aromas of intense plum and spice. With a velvety texture, and a generous mouthful of espresso, vanilla, plum and sweet smoke, the aromas dance across the palate. A perfect balance of acidity boosts the fruit, persuading yet another sip. The finish is long, opulent and enchanting. Well integrated tannins have built the structure and will enhance with cellaring for an effortlessly drinkable wine.

The Vineyard
Dutton Ranch farms over eighty unique, separate vineyards located in the coolest areas of the Russian River Valley, primarily in the sub-appellation known as the Green Valley. We have selected our favorite vineyards from our family’s Dutton Ranch to craft wine reflecting our vision of a signature Russian River Valley Syrah. Cold climate syrah shows focus to dark fruits of blueberry and black currant with flavors of chocolate and cocoa.

The Winemaking
After an early morning harvest, our syrah is fermented in small, open top fermenters and punched down by hand manually up to four times per day to extract optimal flavors of the vineyard. Prior to fermentation, the de-stemmed fruit is cold-soaked to silken the mouth-feel and brighten the fruit. After fermentation, the wine is racked into French and American oak for ageing. Upon completion of secondary fermentation, seven barrels were chosen for the final vineyard-designated blend. This wine is blended and allowed to marry and settle unfiltered while resting in barrel until early winter when we bottle with minimal processing.

Tech Notes
2004 Reserve Syrah