2003 Rockpile Vineyard Syrah Haley's Reserve

This is our 3rd Vintage from the Rockpile Vineyard. The Rockpile AVA 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.

Our commitment to this vineyard is definitely for the long term. We believe this area produces the most "Hermitage" like wines in California.

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Varietals:	100% Syrah
Appellation:	Rockpile
Alcohol:	16.1%
Comments:	The warm earth, with all its minerals, creates the beginning of an exquisite perfume that becomes immersed in blackberry and boysenberry compote, swirled in smoke and lavender. Full bodied and very intense, this wine show cases the Rockpile signature earth components and the take-no-prisoners black fruit basket. Although powerful, it does show a sense of finesse that carries the wine from the being of the journey to its incredibly long finish.
Reviews:	Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s The Wine Advocate: 93+ points This formidably-endowed Syrah, dense purple-colored offering boasting a sumptuous bouquet of vanilla, blackberry liqueur, cherries, licorice and peppery spice. Massive in the mouth, but well-balanced, with impressive purity, layers of fruit and glycerin, and a rich, long finish, this backward Syrah need 1-3 years of bottle age, and should keep for 12-15.
	James Laube Wine Spectator: 92 points A delicious orchestration of ripe, rich fruit, built around a core of blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry fruit, which a dash of spice, cedar and kirsch, ending with firm but ripe and supple tannins, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2010.
Expanded Notes:	PDF Printable Version