2005 Russian River Valley "Papa's Block" Syrah
100% Russian River Valley Syrah, Atoosa’s Vineyard
A new vineyard designate, Papa’s Block is a block of clone 470 Syrah planted for Carlisle at Atoosa’s Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Picked November 1st, yields were approximately 3 tons to the acre. After 17 days on the skins (25% whole cluster), the wine was pressed to all French oak, 33% new, and was bottled after 15 months barrel aging unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Opaque inky-purple. A pure and expressive nose of cassis, blackberry, green olive, and Asian Five-Spice. Reminds me of walking into Pier One Imports as a kid. All those exotic wood and incense smells! A full and rich entry leads to a tannic but long finish. Like the Cardiac Hill, this wine should age quite well. Drink 2009 through 2018. (MRO – 10/15/07)