2004 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 instillation. 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.

Compulsive consistency and obsessive quality control have allowed the vineyard to express the character of the property. At Philary Vineyards, the term "Terroir" is spelled with a capital T.

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Varietals:	100% Syrah
Appellation:	Napa Valley
Alcohol:	16.5%
Comments:	This powerful, yet elegant wine comes from the low-yielding Philary Vineyard located in the Atlas peak region of Napa Valley. Exotic flavors and a dark, rich color are what keep the demand so high for this limited-quantity wine. The wine shows dark fruit flavors of plums, along with lavender, black olive, and smoke. All of the grapes are hand-sorted, de-stemmed, fermentation in ½ ton open top fermenters, gentle pressing by hand in a wooden basket press and aging in 100% new burgundian French oak barrels.
Reviews:	Robert M. Parker, Jr.’s The Wine Advocate: 96 points Flamboyant notes of tapenade, smoked meats, blackberry liquer, plums, and a hint of balsam emerge from this beautiful Syrah. Although it was aged in 100% new French oak, the wine has sucked up the wook as if it had never existed. Unbelievably rich, full-bodied, and harmonious, it pushes the envelope on all levels. Drink this big, pedal-to-the-metal Syrah over the next 10-12 years.
	James Laube, Wine Spectator: 93 points A ripe, opulent style with rich berry, currant and raspberry fruit, but also a supple texture and a long, graceful finish. Drink now through 2011. 36 cases made.
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