2004 Barrett Vineyards Syrah
I have been a fan of Syrah and Rhone wines for many years and we have been making Syrah at La Sirena since 2000. I make Syrah from both Napa Valley and Santa Ynez grapes as well as our estate Barrett Vineyards. I find the fruit to be quite distinct by region so I decided to bottle them separately to show off their regional characteristics. The variety can make wonderful wine in a range of growing regions, soil types, and climates. It is a pleasure to work with, fun to make, and even better… it simply makes delicious wine!
Just the Facts:
- Harvest Date - Sept. 11, 2004
- Blend is 100 % Syrah Barrett Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley
- Some Chemistry - 14.8% alc. T.A. 0.60, pH 3.79
- 100% French oak barrels, 45% new, 22 months in barrel, variety of coopers
- Bottling date: May 22, 2006
- Release date: December 15, 2007
- Production: 127 cases. (750 ml. bottles), 10 cases.1.5 Liter Magnums
Winemaker Tasting Notes: (tasted 1/12/08 by HPB)
This Syrah is the biggest of the three La Sirena Syrah’s. The nose has added depth and richness with multi-layered aromas of black currant, cherry and spice. Ripeness was optimum from our estate vineyard. This is the first wine made from this little 3-acre block which produced only 2 tons in 2004. The soil is quite rocky and it has some steep sections that produce tiny flavorful grapes. The resulting wine shows the concentration that comes from farming this scrappy little vineyard. It is a beauty from start to finish, rich and elegant with fine balance.
Robert Parker Says: (tasted 10/07)
"A new offering from well known winemaking consultant Heidi Barrett (wife of Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena) is the 2004 Syrah Barrett Vineyard from a family vineyard located near their home in Calistoga. A knock out effort. It boasts aromas blackberries, blueberries, acacia flowers, and hints of toasty oak as well as spice. Dense, rich and opulent,it is ideal for drinking over the next 5-7 years. Sadly, only 127 cases were produced. 93 pts."