2004 Napa Valley 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 – September 15, 2004
- Blend is 100 % Syrah Napa Valley (eastern hills)
- Some Chemistry- 15.5% alc. T.A. 0.60, pH 3.77
- 100% French oak barrels, 35% new, 22 months in barrel, variety of coopers
- Bottling date: May 22, 2006
- Release date: December 15, 2007
- Production of 672 cs. (750 ml. bottles), 10 cs.1.5 Liter Magnums
Winemaker Tasting Notes: (tasted 1/12/08 by HPB)
Deep black ruby in color with enticing aromas of rose petal, ripe plum, black cherry, and spice. Beautiful purity of fruit here. Big, lush, and round in the mouth with flavors matching the aromas. The ripe fruit flavors dominate, mostly black cherry, but layers of earth and toast integrate. I particularly like the weight and texture of the wine on the palate. The balance is very good with good length and persistent flavors. This wine is drinking great now but has the structure to age as well.
Robert Parker Says:
"Syrah is becoming an increasingly important component in Heidi Barrett’s portfolio. In 2004 she has a total of three Syrah’s from three totally different appellations. The 2004 Syrah Napa, which comes from a western hillside vineyard overlooking Lake Hennessey is a fleshier, deeper blue and black fruited style of Syrah with some charcoal and tar notes. It is lusher and fuller (than the Santa Ynez)."