2004 Santa Ynez Syrah
This is the third offering of La Sirena Syrah from Santa Ynez. What a wonderful appellation for Syrah! I started working this variety for La Sirena in 2000.
The Napa Valley and Santa Ynez fruit are quite distinct by region so I decided to bottle them separately to show off their regional characteristics. The variety seems to do great in a range of growing regions, soil types, and climates and is a pleasure to work with since I have been a fan of Syrah and Rhone wines for many years.
Just the Facts:
- Harvest Date - Sept. 24, 2004 Santa Ynez
- Blend is 100 % Syrah
- Some Chemistry -15.1% alc. T.A. 0.67, pH 3.76
- 100% French oak barrels, 38% new, 20 months in barrel, variety of coopers
- Release date: March 1, 2007
- Production of 470 cs. (750 ml. bottles), 20 cs. Magnums ( not much to go around!)
Winemaker Tasting Notes: (tasted 2/6/06 by HPB)
The Santa Ynez Syrah is deep ruby-purple in color with beautiful aromatics of black currant and jammy fruit, rose petal and spice. It is rich and ripe in the mouth, yet vibrant and lively at the same time chalked full of spicy, mouth bursting layers of flavor. I love the textural element on the palate. Beautifully balanced pure, and textured with good length, a wine to enjoy with a variety of savory or spicy foods.
Robert Parker Says:
"Barrett does a superb job with Syrah… The 2004 Syrah Santa Ynez is a more elegant version of the 2003 ... Plenty of French oak was used in its upbringing. An impeccably well-made, finesse-styled wine to enjoy over the next 4-5 years. It bears a remarkable resemblance to a St.-Joseph or Croze-Hermitage from the northern Rhone."