2020 Paso Robles Willow Creek District "James Berry Vineyard" Syrah
100% Syrah
Sadly, our 2020 James Berry Syrah is the only Syrah we produced in this vintage. I wish we had more and could offer it to everyone but alas, one acre of Syrah in highly calcareous soils on a very devigorating rootstock does not result in a lot of fruit. But my oh my, what fruit it is! Picked on October 3rd, we opted to do about 10% whole cluster to add a bit of interest to the aromatics. Cold soaked for five days, the must was inoculated with RX60, a natural yeast that works very well with Syrah. Aged in all French oak, 28% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Opaque crimson-purple. Expressive aromas of blackberry, mulberry, allsorts, and fragrant white lily. The wine enters rich and round with mouth-coating flavors of dark berry fruit, plums, violets, and subtle notes of loamy earth. A full-bodied wine but thanks to its freshness and energy, never ponderous. In fact, quite suave and polished. One of the most delicious James Berry Syrahs we have produced. Enjoy from release if you like larger-framed, fruit-filled wines to 2038 if you prefer wines with more aged characteristics. (MRO - 07/18/22)