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Vintage: 2005
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Appellation: Chalone
Vineyard: Brosseau Vineyard
Varietal: Syrah
Clone: 877, 174, Tablas Creek, Clone 9
Age: 4 years
Elevation: 1600 feet
Soil: Decomposed granite & limestone
Yield: 1.5-2 tons/acre
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Harvested: Sept 30, 2005
Pressed: Oct 25, 2005
Blend: 100% Syrah
Maceration: 25 days
Barrel aging: 32 mos. in 2 yr FO barrels
Bottled: Unfiltered on July 22, 2008
Production: 23 cases
Release date: Fall 2008
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In 2005 we decided to experiment with extended barrel aging and chose a single barrel of Brosseau Vineyard Syrah. We had a mix of 4 clones which provided complexity and depth to these younger vines. The wines stayed sur lie for 12 months and was then racked and returned to barrel where it stayed another 12 months before racking the second time. The final racking was to tank in preparation for bottling. The Vinification was similar to most of our Syrahs which means we sorted, de-stemmed and then did an old fashion pigeage à pied (foot stomping) to gently obtain the desired level of crushing.
We fermented in 500L open top oak vats, punched down by hand, and both primary and MLF occurred without inoculation. The wine was bottled unfiltered.
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Our first reserve, this Syrah stayed in barrel for 32 months. The color is a deep inky purple.
The high-toned nose is layered and nuanced with a cherry, blueberry and wild plum core supporting accents of cracked peppercorn, smoke, damp earth, leather, mineral, tobacco and floral notes.
With time to open an iron thread with meaty/blood notes becomes fundamental. This is a profound
Syrah of extraordinary concentration, purity, complexity and balance that will linger long after the last
sip is swallowed. |
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