2019 Russian River Valley "Papa's Block" Syrah
100% Syrah
Picked October 5th, yields at Papa’s Block were relatively modest in this generous year, coming in a bit below average at 3.3 tons to the acre. To provide additional structure and aromatic punch, 22% of the fruit was not destemmed. After a slow but steady fermentation and 27 days on skins, the wine was pressed to all French oak, 32% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Very dark purple. Opaque. A deep, redolent nose of blackberries, cassis, tar, white lilies, and fresh cream. Mouthwatering! Full-bodied but quite polished, the wine envelops the palate with oodles of dark berry fruit. Finishes quite long. Compared to Rosella’s, less tannic and a bit more opulent, relying more on acidity rather than tannin for structure. Enjoy from 2022 (with a decant) all the way to 2034. (MRO - 07/18/21)