2019 Bennett Valley "Radiant Ridge Vineyard" Syrah
100% Syrah
Picked nine days before the Mourvèdre, 20% of the fruit was not destemmed to add a bit of extra spice to the aromas. After five days of cold soaking in tank, fermentation began on its own. Hence, there was no need to inoculate. After a long, slow fermentation (24 days!), the wine was pressed to all French oak, 21% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Dark ruby-purple. A very perfumed nose of violets and gravel with a whiff of charcuterie on the backend. Smells exactly like a cool-climate Syrah from a warmer year. And indeed it is! Medium to medium-full bodied, the wine enters with a beautiful silken texture and savory flavors of earth and cured meats before fine-grained tannins emerge in the lengthy finish. A wine of harmony and poise. This can be enjoyed now but should continue to gain additional nuance with age. Best from 2024 to 2034. (MRO - 07/18/22)