2010 Santa Lucia Highlands "Rosella's Vineyard" Syrah
100% Syrah
In this exceedingly cool growing season, owner/grower Gary Franscioni did everything he could to ripen the Syrah at Rosella’s Vineyard. But as the end of October approached, it was apparent that the vines had given us all they had and it was time to pick. Of the two clones, the Bien Nacido managed to eclipse 24 Brix and produced a wonderful wine. Unfortunately, the 877 struggled, producing a wine that we felt did not live up to this wonderful vineyard’s reputation. As a result, we decided to bottle only the Bien Nacido selection as our Rosella’s Syrah, effectively cutting this wine’s production in more than half. Such is life growing Syrah on the edge! Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark to dark ruby-garnet. Kirsch, tobacco, savory herbs, and white pepper emanate from the glass. Interestingly, in this cool vintage, not a trace of the signature ruby-red grapefruit. On the palate, medium-full to full bodied. A very savory and herb-laced finish with an intriguing saline note, perhaps from the salt-laden air blowing in from Monterey Bay. Optimum drinking for this elegant Syrah should be from 2014 through 2020. (MRO – 07/18/12)