2017 Syrah, Wild Oak Vineyard, Sonoma Valley • St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

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2017

Syrah

Wild Oak Vineyard

Sonoma Valley

Tasting Notes

The nose of this cool-climate Syrah hints at a summertime glass of sweetened black tea. As it opens, a bouquet of hibiscus blossom and smoked almond add a sultry undertone to the brighter licorice rope and cranberry notes. The cordial-like body is balanced with hints of White Pepper and freshly harvested sage, showing elegantly in the soft, herbaceous acidity.

Vintage Notes

The 2017 growing season started out wet with record-breaking rainfall after several dry years. A mild spring led to timely bud break and good fruit set, followed by ideal conditions of cool mornings and warm, sunny days throughout the summer months. A few days of intense heat at the beginning of September sped up ripening throughout the region. Well-timed picks meant the majority of fruit was in by the first week of October. Beautiful color, well-defined aromatics and outstanding flavor are all evident in this year’s vintage.

Vineyard Notes

We source the fruit for our Wild Oak Vineyard Syrah exclusively from our Certified Sustainable Estate vineyard located at the foot of Hood Mountain. This cool climate vineyard is located on the western end of the Sonoma Valley, AVA. The gradual south-facing slope of this vineyard, provides ample sun exposure, while coastal winds and seasonal inversion layers counter the hottest days with cool nights. The rocky, volcanic soil of the vineyard develops uniquely earthly qualities as well as charismatic varietal structure.

Winemaker Notes

This Syrah was fermented using a combination of whole clusters and whole berry techniques. The wine underwent a slow 14-day ferment and was then racked off into French oak barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation naturally. Winemaker Chris Louton chose older oak barrels for this wine to allow the expression of the two vineyards to emerge. The wine was aged for 20 months before bottling.