Alder Springs Vineyard Syrah 2019
Mendocino County

Vineyards:

The famed Alder Springs Ranch located 12 miles east of the Pacific Ocean is perched above the small town of Laytonville. It spans over 6,000 acres with 140 acres of hillside vineyards planted at altitudes ranging from 1,750 – 2,700 feet above sea level.  Alder Springs vineyard is known for its tiny berries with powerful concentration resulting in dark, inky wines. Warm days with bright sun, cold nights and rocky soils provide near perfect growing conditions for cool climate grape varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.  Alder Springs in widely considered one of the finest vineyards in North America.  Our 2019 Syrah from Alder Springs comes from the very unique and picturesque "Knob" block.  It is quite literally a terraced "knob" that is planted to a massal selection of Syrah with 360 degrees of sun exposure.  

Winemaking:

The hand harvested fruit was harvested in early October and fully destemmed before fermentation.  The must was left to ferment using native yeast and pressed at dryness after approximately 3 weeks on its skins.  It was then aged for 19 months in 50% new French oak barrels.  The bottled wine is comprised of only free run wine and was bottled unfiltered and unfined.  125 cases produced

Tasting Notes:

The 2019 Alder Springs Syrah pours a pure dark ruby that is nearly opaque.  The nose bursts with aromas of ripe berries, sandalwood, and fines herbes blend.  The tannins are fine but present.  This a big wine that somehow remains light on its feet.  This wine will surely age effortlessly for years, but is delicious in its youth.  Enjoy with roasted or grilled meats at your holiday table.