2002 Rockpile Vineyard Syrah Haley's Reserve

Rockpile is a new AVA that you will hear more and more about in the future. This region produces outstanding wines and we believe the Rockpile Vineyard is one of the best examples of this appellation. With a strong coastal influence, temperatures are kept moderate during the day and cool at night. At 2000 feet, it has the highest elevation in the region. This puts it above the fog line giving the vines more sun exposure, thus better ripening.

~ ~ ~

Varietals:	100% Syrah
Appellation:	Rockpile
Alcohol:	15.9%
Comments:	A wine of dense purple color followed by aromatics of sweet, wild red and black berries intertwined with the intoxicating perfume of smoked game, vanilla, minerals and roasted herbs. Rich, lush, and concentrated, and compelling best describes the amazing texture profile of this full-bodied wine.
Reviews:	Connoisseurs' Guide: 94 points They don't get much bigger, richer, fuller, deeper or riper than this absolutely fully stuffed offering from Jeff Cohn. Never on to eschew the density and extract available in the big reds, Cohn has here delivered a blockbuster that will win friends among those who can accept the weight and complexity in this one without minding its substantial (15.9% alcohol). For, make no mistake about it, this wine trades its amazing intensity for its spiking heat in the finish. It will certainly age well, but it is likely to show best in its first decade.
	Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s The Wine Advocate: 94 points This blockbuster (from a red soil vineyard planted at 2,000 feet) boasts a gorgeous perfume of boysenberries, blueberries, blackberries, lavender, toast and licorice. Full-bodied, with a voluptuous texture in addition to dry tannins lurking behind the extravagant fruit and concentration, this terrific Syrah should hit its prime in 1-2 years, and last for a decade.
	James Laube, Wine Spectator 93 points High-toned, superrich and fleshy, with layers of plush blackberry, boysenberry, fresh earth, mineral, mocha and toasty oak delivered in a seamless package, finishing with an elegant burst of ripe fruit. Drink now through 2009.
Expanded Notes:	PDF Printable Version