Fall Release GVR Estate Vineyard Jack Robert's Run Syrah
2014

Winemaker’s Notes

Our championing of coastal Sonoma Syrah continues to march. If you have never tried this bottling, you are missing out on one of our great ‘insider wines’ – a gorgeously appealing Syrah that stands at the top of the quality hierarchy for the vintage. It’s true coastal Syrah from a late-ripening parcel sitting eight miles from the ocean on deep sandy/clay soils that contain high levels of organic matter. It’s this combination of healthy soils, mature vines and the cool climate that allow us to retain the intricate array of delicate Syrah aromas that are lost in leaner soils and warmer climates. And it’s this astonishing complexity of aroma and flavor that really drives the wine. We build in complexity in other ways too: co-fermentation with Viognier, fifty percent whole clusters in the fermenter and partial aging in a Tuscan clay amphora. It’s difficult to communicate the level of intensity this wine offers, suffice to say it’s truly compelling, and in this particular vintage, it’s a world class expression of this wildly aromatic, floral/savory variety. We choose to limit production of this wine, blending most of it into the RRV, so do not miss out.

Wildly aromatic, deep and vivid. Black and blue fruits, white and black pepper, sage and anise, thyme blossom, lilacs and violet. Blackberry liqueur and spicy plum compote palate, intense and broad. Great floral inner mouth perfume. Bold, succulent layers of billowing texture then dense, chewy, cocoa-dusted tannins, voluptuous and gripping. Rising, dominant fruit-filled finish.

Cool climate Syrah of power and intensity, delicacy and concentration. Aromatic, fruit and savory elements in gorgeous harmony.

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner