2008 Knights Valley "Pelkan Ranch" Syrah
100% Knights Valley Syrah, Pelkan Ranch
As the vines mature at Pelkan Ranch, we’re finding that each vintage improves, gaining better texture and mouthfeel while still speaking clearly of its mountainous terroir. Picked October 2nd, the fruit was fully destemmed but not crushed. Fermentation was completed by a yeast strain isolated from the Rhône Valley of France. After 15 days on the skins, the wine was pressed to all French oak, 57% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Dark garnet-ruby. Deep, concentrated aromas of blackberry, creosote, smoked game, and vanilla bean. Full-bodied but very harmonious, with suave tannins persisting through the long berry-laden finish. The new oak percentage is high for us but by using barrels that contribute texture and little in the way of flavor and aroma, the wood is already perfectly integrated. While enjoyable now, especially if decanted, this wine should be at its peak between 2013 and 2021. (MRO – 08/01/10)