VINTAGE: 2005
APPELLATION: SANTA MARIA VALLEY
VARIETAL: SYRAH
VINEYARDS: 100% BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD, BLOCK X
HARVEST DATE: 10/6/05
BRIX AT HARVEST: 24
ALCOHOL: 14.1%
pH: 3.42
TA: 0.628g/100ml
CASE PRODUCTION: 225 cases
RELEASE DATE: 3/01/07

VINEYARDS:
The Bien Nacido Vineyard is often referred to as the coolest appellation in California and noted for its long growing season. Situated on a bench overlooking the Santa Maria River, this proven and celebrated vineyard benefits greatly from a strong marine influence conducive to growing the finest Burgundian and Rhone fruit in the state. The Block X is a truly unique parcel that lies on the warmer eastern reaches of the property in a soil referred to as the Elder Series, which is comprised of well-drained sandy loam. This 14-acre block is planted to the Estrella clone and typically produces just under two tons per acre.
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VINIFICATION:
The grapes were allowed to cold soak for a period of 6-7 days to extract color and flavor. The wine underwent fermentation in 1.5 ton open top fermenters and was punched down by hand. The juice was inoculated with D254 yeast for bigger mouth feel, depth of fruit, and smooth tannin structure. A maceration period of 20-25 days is preferred for optimum tannin and color extraction. The wine was aged for 11 months with minimal racking in four, second year Radoux Appalachian Oak barrels and one neutral Francois Freres.
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WINE MAKER’S COMMENTS:
The wine’s deep blue/black hue only hints at the enormous fruit intensity experienced on the palate. Muscular yes, but not overpowering or tannic. This is a complex wine with a nose dominated by smoke, char, tobacco and layers upon layers of delicious blackberry/boysenberry fruit on the palate. Though perfectly enjoyable now, this wine will continue to develop in the bottle for many years to come.
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