2015 Russian River Valley "Papa's Block" Syrah
100% Syrah
Planted to one of my favorite Syrah clones, ENTAV 470, Papa’s Block was picked on September 21st at a generous 26.3 Brix. Twenty-nine percent of the fruit was not destemmed to add structure and aromatics to the wine. After a 5-day cold soak, both tanks were inoculated with Rhône-isolated strains of yeast (D254 and Syrah respectively for you yeast aficionados) and then pressed on October 12th to all French oak, 29% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Opaque Verging on opaque ruby-purple. With swirling, notes of blackberry, cassis, hoisin, and milk chocolate emerge from the glass. Very precise on the palate, the wine enters full and rich, offering flavors of blackberry, cherry liqueur, and savory herbs (no doubt from the use of whole cluster). Despite the intensity, the wine closes with plenty of verve and freshness, punctuated by silky tannins in the long finish. Age-worthy. Drink 2020 through 2032. (MRO – 04/03/17)