2018 Russian River Valley "Papa's Block" Syrah
100% Syrah
Picked nearly 3 weeks later than in 2017, yields at Papa’s Block were a respectable 3.75 tons per acre or just under 7 lbs. of fruit per vine given the 5’ x 8’ spacing. Twenty-three percent of the fruit was not destemmed to add structure and aromatics to the wine. After a five-day cold soak, the juice was inoculated for primary fermentation. Fourteen days later the wine was pressed to all French oak, 18% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Very dark magenta ruby. The nose combines a mélange of black fruits – blackberry, cassis, and mulberry –with subtle notes of spring flowers, savory herbs, and milk chocolate. Mmmmm! Medium-full to full body on the palate, our trio of black fruits reappear in the flavors, supported by plenty of acidity and polished tannins. If opened on release, give it a good decant. Otherwise, enjoy this beauty from 2022 through 2030. (MRO - 01/15/20)