WINEMAKER NOTES: Crafted to balance the fruit complexity, structure and age-worthiness of this ancient varietal, the 2005 Signature Shiraz accomplishes this feat. Grown on vines cloned from 50% old-vine Australian Shiraz and 50% Northern Rhone Syrah, the finished wine stays true to its inherently spicy and seductive spirit.

Introduced by alluring fragrances of dried orange peel, rose hips and white pepper, the 2005 Signature Shiraz is plush, yet focused. Layered flavors of spicy licorice, ripe blackberry and bittersweet chocolate support a balanced and delineated mouthfeel. Subdued oak and well-integrated tannins are revealed on a finish, accented by hints of vanilla bean, cedar and star anise.

Composition: 100% Shiraz; Appellation: Darioush Estate Vineyards- Napa Valley and Oak Knoll; Cooperage: Aged 18 months in new French oak, Burgundy cooperage ; Winemaker: Steve Devitt; Production: 1,342 cases

Vinification: Meticulous attention to detail in vineyard and cellar; Hand-harvested into small 28 lb baskets; Hand-sorted twice, before and after de-stemming
Fermentation includes cold soaking for 4 days, with gentle pumpovers and extended maceration for optimal color extraction and tannin management
Barrel lots were racked 2-3 times per year for clarity

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