2005 A La Cave Syrah

Varietals:	82% Syrah, 18% Petite Syrah
Appellation:	California
Alcohol:	15%
Tasting Notes:	In the second year of developing this blend, the consensus was to take it up a notch, turn up the volume, add a little more punch, so to speak. I've learned through the years of creating blends, the ones composed of multiple appellations are always the most challenging and the most rewarding. This vintage is composed of vineyards from Coombsville, Santa Ynez, Calistoga, Mendocino, Dry Creek Valley and Rockpile. Each region has brought its best to the final blend. A wine which features dark Valrhona chocolate, smoky accents, mineral textures, and beautiful fruit that ranges from dark cherry to wild raspberry with hints of garrigue.
Comments:	The majority grapes in this wine continue to come from the Coombsville area of Napa Valley. This vineyard produces wines that show richness, depth and dark fruits. To highlight more of the mineral component and smoked meat aspect of the wine we added Rockpile and Fess Parker Syrah to the blend. Each of the Petite Syrahs (Frediani, Madrigal and Florence) bring additional layers of mystery and darkness.
Reviews:	Wine Spectator: 89 points Dark, rich and concentrated, with beefy, grapey and peppery flavors that are pure, focused and balanced. Drink now through 2011.
Retail:	$40
Expanded Notes:	PDF Printable Version