(Library) SYRAH 2016 Estate Owl Hill Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

Dark fruit flavors and savory aromas. 

Tasting Notes: 
Deep dark color. Blackberries, wildflowers and juniper. Flavors of blackberry, black currant, cherry, plum tart and cocoa. Nice balance with meaty, tannic lingering finish. Elegant and complex.

 The Grape: Noble Syrah originally from Rhone River Valley in France. Very dark in color; one the darkest. Ripens mid season. Freshly crushed fruit displays floral bouquet fragrance that carries on into the wine.. The vine can be vigorous so it benefits from growing on the rocky hillsides here at Frick.

The Vineyard:  In Frick Estate Owl Hill Vineyard I planted syrah on the rocky hillside in 1988. This tiny vineyard’s soil is rocks, gravel and clay from decomposed a unique Dry Creek Conglomerate deposit. This soil stresses the vines to reduce vigor and produce a small crop with distinctive, full, rich and classic Northern Rhone character.

The Wine: Syrah is my pet. Reserved Northern Rhone in style with black fruits, earthy and meaty with dry tannin finish. Vibrant now in it’s youth and will age well.  Drink now to 2028. Only 72 cases made.

Serve with: meat, big juicy grilled portobello mushroom, prime rib eye steak, venison, short ribs of beef, triple crème brie with walnuts, smoked slow cooked meats, black bean chili