2009 Knights Valley "Pelkan Ranch" Syrah
100% Knights Valley Syrah, Pelkan Ranch
With lower than average yields, Pelkan Ranch reached maturity a bit earlier than usual and was picked on September 28th. The fruit was fully destemmed and cold soaked for five days before inoculation with a Rhône isolate of yeast (appropriately named “Syrah”). It was pressed to all French oak, 50% new, after 15 days on the skins and bottled unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby-purple. Nearly opaque. A fascinating nose of stone fruits – white peach, nectarine, Satsuma plum – is intertwined with violets, blood orange, espresso, and Chinese five spice. Wow! The wine enters full and rich but is powerfully structured. No doubt this is mountain-grown fruit! A wave of blackcurrant fruit and spice persist through the long finish. With a good decant, this wine can be enjoyed now. But if past Pelkan Ranch Syrahs are any indication, this wine has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2013 through 2024. (MRO – 09/25/11)