2001 Dry Creek Valley Syrah
94% Dry Creek Valley Syrah
6% Knights Valley Syrah
While predominantly from Ray Teldeschi Ranch high up on the east side of Dry Creek Valley, small amounts of fruit from the Unti and Del Carlo ranches (both in Dry Creek Valley) in addition to the Pelkan ranch (a high-elevation vineyard in Knight's Valley) were also used in this vintage. Each of these exceptionally flavorful lots was picked in the first week of October. After an initial 4 to 5 days of cold soaking, the must was inoculated with a highly alcohol tolerant yeast. Nevertheless, after pressing into new French oak at the peak of fermentation (approximately 5 brix), the wine continued to ferment for another 10 months. The wine was racked 3 times by positive pressure with gravity return and bottled unfined and unfiltered after 20 months of barrel aging.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby, verging on opaque. An incredibly deep and perfumed nose of ripe plums, black olive, mocha, and vanilla. Cornas meets Australia! Unlike the 2000, no hints of eucalyptus. Full-bodied and totally mouthfilling. Stylistically much closer to our 1999 than our 2000. Sound acidity should ensure a relatively long window of enjoyment. Drink now through 2009. (MRO - 5/28/03)