Vintage: 2023 was basically a perfect vintage! Near record winter rains finally put an end to years of drought. Ideal springtime conditions allowed the vines to set an above average crop. Very mild temperatures throughout the growing season resulted in one of the latest and longest harvests in the history of the Napa Valley. The wines of 2023 have exceptional depth, intensity, finesse, and balance.
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 25 – 33 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: Oct. 26 – 31 • 24.7 ºBrix • 3.61 pH • 6.7 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 2024. This wine is drinkable upon release, but will gracefully age for the next 15+ years.
Wine Analysis: 14.3 % alcohol • 3.72 pH • 6.0 g/l TA
Tasting Notes: Concentrated aromas of black plum, cassis, and ripe cherry; with hints of vanilla, leather, earth, and white pepper. The mouth is layered with bright, jammy flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, and red currants; followed by mineral and cracked black pepper. Mouth-filling tannins provide an opulent finish of fruit and spice.
Release Date: January 1, 2025
Cases Produced: 817 cases
