2003 Philary Vineyard Syrah

Philary Vineyards located at almost 1000 feet above sea level overlooking the southern part of the Napa Valley. The vineyard consists of two separate blocks, each with 250 Syrah vines. The first block was planted in March 1996. The second block was planted in March 1998.

The planting of each block was a physical challenge created by the unique nature of the property. The combination of extremely rocky soil, steep slopes, uneven terrain and limited physical access precluded the use of any machines or equipment that would typically be used for vineyard preparation and installation. The property dictated that both blocks would have to be established by hand. Thousands of rocks were physically removed to try to clear the vineyard sites for planting which out of necessity was 3 feet between vines and 3 feet between rows (3x3). There was not enough soil existing for planting. Dirt was hand carried in 5-gallon buckets into the vineyard sites. Many rocks were too large to remove and remain in both blocks. As a result, the vine rows could not be made either straight or level.

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Varietals:	100% Syrah
Appellation:	Napa Valley
Alcohol:	16.2%
Comments:	This is the finest Philary that we have ever produced, although we have much less of it, only 34 cases. Yields were low and the intensity up. To describe this wine, it would have to start with smoky almost inky gamey wild blackberry liqueur that has been immersed with a touch of lavender and black olives. A streak of minerality flows throughout the wine that gives it just the right structure to carry it through one of the most outrageous finishes I have ever had in a syrah.
Reviews:	James Laube, Wine Spectator: 93 pts Intense and distinctive, with loads of spice and pepper. Rich and fleshy on the palate, with ripe plum, currant and wild berry flavors joining. Tannins are ripe and fleshy on a long finish. Drink now through 2010.
:	Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s The Wine Advocate: 90+ points From a steep, rocky, Napa vineyard, this wine has an opaque saturated purple color in addition to a backward but promising nose of smoke, blackberries, and spice. This closed Syrah requires considerable aeration, but it is exceptionally concentrated, tannic, and among the most primordial wines of this portfolio. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 10-12 years.
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