2012 Santa Lucia Highlands "Rosella's Vineyard" Syrah
100% Syrah
In 2012 we picked and fermented separately the two selections of Syrah at Rosella’s Vineyard. First came the Bien Nacido selection on October 22nd. It was fermented with 25% whole cluster. On October 30th we picked the section of 877 and fermented that with 37% whole cluster. The following summer, we found that the best blend was a combination of the two lots minus one barrel of 877. New French oak was approximately 20%. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Very dark ruby-purple. Bordering on opaque. Unmistakable Syrah aromas of white pepper, violets, and blackberry fruit. Once again, not a trace of the ruby red grapefruit that defined this wine for so many vintages. Perhaps the vines have outgrown this flavor? Plush on entry, berries and spice and all things nice envelop the palate. The only sign of whole cluster is a slight but pleasing chalkiness in the spice-laden, savory finish. Delicious now but it should be at its best between 2016 and 2024. (MRO – 07/18/14)