Vintage: 2021 was a very interesting year in the vineyards. Bud break was normal, but a cold and dry winter combined with unsettled spring weather affected berry set and led to below average yields. Normal conditions throughout summer allowed the light crop to easily ripen. The dual challenges of the pandemic and wildfires during harvest made picking decisions very difficult. Despite these hardships, the wines of 2020 are big, bold, and full of flavor.
Vineyard: There are 12 acres of Syrah planted on the Truchard Estate Vineyard. Four acres are in the “Highlands” region to the north, and 8 acres are located at the southern end of the vineyard. These areas are dominated by austere hillsides composed of volcanic rock and ash. The vines range from 22 – 30 years old and benefit from the unique combination of soil, exposure, and cool Carneros temperatures. The result is a full-bodied wine with flavors and structure reminiscent of the northern Rhone.
Harvest: Sept. 23 – Oct. 14 • 24.5 ºBrix • 3.63 pH • 7.0 g/L TA
Winemaking: All of the fruit was gently destemmed and crushed into open top fermenters with approximately 20% whole berries. Individual lots were inoculated with Pasteur Red yeast. Fermentations were punched down twice daily with the temperature peaking at 88º F. After 14 days of maceration, each lot was pressed and allowed to settle in tank before going to barrel. The wine was aged for 10 months in both French (90%) and American (10%) oak; 25% of these barrels were new. This wine was racked only once before being bottled in August of 2021. This wine is drinkable upon release, but will reward careful cellaring for the next 12 – 15 years.
Wine Analysis: 14.3 % alcohol • 3.70 pH • 6.3 g/l TA
Tasting Notes: A floral nose of black cherry, cassis, and ripe plum with a hint of vanilla, leather, earth, and white pepper. The mouth is layered with bright, jammy flavors of boysenberry, red currants, and blackberry followed by mineral and cracked black pepper. Mouth-filling tannins provide an opulent finish of fruit and spice.
Release Date: March 1, 2023
Cases Produced: 720 cases
Bottle Price: $40.00
