2010 Syrah
Dove Pond Vineyard
Paso Robles, California
75 cases produced
Vineyard Notes:
Dove Pond Vineyard is located directly adjacent to our own in the Templeton Gap area of the Paso Robles AVA. The 18 + acre site is separated from our own by just a narrow strip of oak trees and shares the same distinctive calcareous shale and sandstone soils. Irrigation is very limited and the vines are planted north-south, taking full advantage of the warm summer growing season. The result is low yields of dense, ripe fruit. While the entire site produces top quality fruit, we were fortunate to pick from what we consider to be the optimum rows at the highest point on the predominantly flat site.
Winemaker Notes:
We had a dreamy ferment using D80 yeast. Fermentation was slow in the start allowing us to develop lots of glycerol, contributing to the glorious mouth-feel. Steady in mid-ferment, so we were able to retain great aromatic elements – cocoa, dried flowers, cassis and clove. The finished wine is deep and complex – earthy with raspberry, cherry and spice notes. Drink now through 2020.
Production notes:
Pick date: November 11, 2010
Brix at harvest: 27.6
30% new French Oak
TA: 5.4 g/L
pH: 3.80
Alcohol by volume: 14.8%