2014 Russian River Valley "Papa's Block" Syrah
100% Syrah
It’s so nice to be offering Papa’s Block again. While the ’13 had many positive attributes (massive body, great color), it just didn’t seem to speak of the vineyard. Hence, we decided to blend it into our Sonoma County Syrah. But no such issue with the 2014. Picked October 3rd, yields were a generous 4 tons to the acre, perfect for this warm vintage. If the crop had been much smaller, sugars would have raced ahead of other ripeness parameters. Most of the fruit was fermented indigenously but a small portion was inoculated with one of our favorite Rhône yeasts, D254, to increase mouthfeel. Approximately 30% of the fruit was not destemmed to enhance structure and aromas. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Opaque black-purple. Aromas of blackberry, cassis, spring flowers, and white pepper greet the nose. On the palate, blackberry, spice, and a slight hint of capsicum that brings to mind our delicious 2010. Rich, round, and full-bodied, tannins and acids are in perfect balance. Not quite as showy at this stage as our much-vaunted 2007 but I like this better. While very appealing now, this will age well. Drink 2017 through 2030. (MRO – 01/19/16)