The 2020 Sarah’s Vineyard Syrah is based on this noble variety of France’s Northern Rhone, responsible worldwide for classic reds. From French Hermitage to Australian Shiraz, Syrah is one of the most popular and widely-planted red wine grapes.
The Syrah for our 2020 release came from our good friend George Besson, Jr.’s old vineyard, just 300 yards to the east of Sarah’s. This historic property was originally planted in 1922. George’s and our estates bridge the historic Santa Clara Valley and the cooler climate “Mt. Madonna” district of the southern Santa Cruz Mountains. Here fog and winds from nearby Monterey Bay dramatically cool down the vineyards, extending the growing season and providing unique conditions for complex Rhone cultivars.
The ’20 Syrah is big and soft, rich in color and flavor with an intense fruit presence of black plum, dark cherries, and red raspberries. It is also showing hints of licorice, violets, and baking spice. Pair this Syrah with Tim’s recipe for Chocolate Syrah Olive Oil Cake (recipe on Member's page).
Appellation: Santa Clara Valley
Vineyard: Besson Vineyard
Grower: George Besson, Jr.
Alcohol: 14.5
Cooperage: Neutral French Oak, 20 months
Production: 143
