2015 Sonoma County Syrah
78% Bennett Valley Syrah
16% Russian River Valley Syrah
3% Russian River Valley Mourvèdre
3% Russian River Valley Mixed Blacks (Petite Sirah, Peloursin, Carignane, Alicante Bouschet)
Like the 2014, this year’s Sonoma County Syrah is based largely on Syrah from two Bennett Valley vineyards. We included a bit of Papa’s Block to round out the palate and liked what a dash of Mourvèdre and old-vine mixed blacks (mainly Petite Sirah, Carignane, Peloursin, Syrah, and Alicante) added to the aromas. The result is a medium weight, perfectly balanced, age-worthy Syrah. It looks highly unlikely that we’ll have a Sonoma County Syrah in 2016 so now is the time to stock up on this QPR champ. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby-purple. A very savory nose of herbes de provence, cherry, and spring flowers. Quite sappy and pliant, the wine enters medium bodied with plenty of energy and cut. This could almost pass for a Northern Rhône from a warmer year. Flavors of cherry compote, violet pastilles, and black licorice flow through the mineral-tinged finish. Don’t be fooled by the “county” designation into thinking this is an early drinker. This wine will continue to develop with age and should have a long life. Enjoy from 2019 through 2032. (MRO – 04/03/17)