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Syrah 2016, Gravity Flow Block, Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard

Estate Grown

Syrah 2016, Gravity Flow Block, Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard
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$48.00
/ 750ml
SKU: SY16BMV750
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$576.00
/ Case of 12
 

The iron fist in a velvet glove hailing from our Estate Bradford Mountain Vineyard. A small block carved from the rocky knoll near the top, the Gravity Flow Block contains a portion of Viognier (7%) that are cofermented with the 93% Syrah. This cofermentation, a classic style of the Northern Rhone, creates a wine that is intense, complex and expressive of this mountain terroir.

Wine Specs
Vintage
2016
Varietal
Syrah
Appellation
Dry Creek Valley
Vineyard Designation
Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard
Acid
6.4 g/L
pH
3.62
Aging
22 months in 100% French oak barrels: 33% new, 67% 2-year-old
Bottling Date
July 12, 2018
Alcohol %
14.7
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
This stylish Syrah perfectly expresses the Bradford Mountain terroir along with the elegance of the varietal. Rich aromas of ripe plum and dark chocolate mingle with hints of loamy earth and kid glove. The first sip reveals plush flavors gently wrapped with mocha oak notes and supple tannins. A slightly chewy palate exposes cherry, Santa Rosa plum and dried strawberry, along with traces of minerality, leather and a defining wild game essence. Well-integrated with a nice balance of finesse and robustness, these mountain-grown grapes shine through in this elegant wine.
Vineyard Notes
The “Gravity Flow Block” Syrah is the realization of a dream of mine to produce a Syrah grown on the most exposed, welldrained location on our Bradford Mountain vineyard. This rocky hillock directly behind my house on Bradford Mountain got its name from the fact that at the top sits our 10,000 gallon water tank that serves our house and garden via gravity flow. Though I had cleared the brush off the hill in the early 1990’s, it remained unplanted through the remainder of the decade as I put my efforts into our new winery. In March 2000, I planted the vineyard to 90% Syrah (five clones), 8% Viognier and 2% Petite Sirah with the vines planted 3 feet apart in the row and 6 feet between rows. Though the rocky ground made digging the planting holes a pain, we dug extra large holes mixing the rocky parent soil with substantial quantities of compost to give the vines a jump-start. In 2003, we harvested and produced our first Syrah from this planting. Our Gravity Flow Block Syrah is a big, flavorful wine, displaying the classic “iron fist in a velvet glove” qualities that are very representative of both the vintage and the vineyard on Bradford Mountain.
Winemaker Notes
By co-fermenting the Syrah and Viognier (a nod to the methods of the Northern Rhone Valley in France), the union of aromas and flavors begins at the wine’s birth. The Viognier contributes significant yet subtle influences with its delicate floral and fruit components. The resulting wine is head spinning with seductive aromas, big chewy, juicy flavors and lots of fruit. And, at the core of this wine you’ll discover that amazing mineral essence, the trademark of Bradford Mountain terroir.
Food Pairing Notes
Enjoy with coffee-crusted beef tenderloin steak and a side of twice-baked potato, or eggplant lasagna served with a crusty garlic butter laced French baguette.