While I think it is a mistake often committed by winemakers, I have to admit that when making syrah I always think of the syrahs that are benchmarks for me: Jean-Louis Chave's Hermitage Rouge and Thierry Allemand's Cornas. They produce, in my opinion, if not the finest examples of syrah, then at least wines that should be on any list of the worlds great syrahs. While I very much enjoy some New World syrahs I still gravitate toward the style of these two benchmark winemakers. In both cases their wines not only respect their terroir, they exemplify it. Both are brilliant winemakers who realize that the strength of their wines is their single-minded dedication to producing the finest wines that their vineyards can produce. (They are also very fortunate that they happen to have great vineyards). While I respect a number of new world producers as well as many of their old world counterparts, I have become a little alarmed by the trend toward the "new world" style of winemaking with syrah. I really believe that wine should reflect its origins. The current emphasis on power and the excessive use of new oak makes me very sad...That being said, I am still trying to dial in our vineyard. It is still fairly young. It is also in a cool climate for syrah. Is it best picked early while the fruit is bright or later with much more richness? Does, as I expect, the use of new oak totally obscure its character? Should it be bottled relatively early to capture its youthful fruit or does longer barrel aging allow for the development of that wild, animal side of syrah that I personally love. Many questions, still few answers. This wine is simply one of many on our road of discovery. Fortunately, I like it.

Tasting Notes: Initially a bit reduced but with air opens into a elegant, plummy wine with slight hints of animal and violets. Medium body. It should develop additional nuances with time. 136 cases bottled.

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