Mesa Reserve Syrah
2006 Mesa Reserve Syrah,
Estate Grown and Bottled Santa Ynez Valley
In 2004, we planted our “Mesa B” block totaling 26.5 acres with 5 syrah clones (174, 383, 470, 877 and Estrella) in ten different sub-blocks with high-density spacing (6 feet between rows and 4 feet between vines). Only a half mile away from our Black Bear Block the first Syrah planted in Santa Barbara County in 1978, this block offers a great contrast to it in vine age and clones.
Growing Season and Harvest
The 2006 growing season started a month late after an unusually cold March. Spring and summer were relatively mild with our average highs in the upper 80’s. In early October, we had an afternoon down pour which increased our anxiety since the grapes were still hanging. Thankfully, it was quickly followed by warm, dry weather which allowed the grapes to ripen fully. Harvest came and went quickly, albeit a month late, yielding rich reds and bright whites.
Winemaking
After hand harvesting, the grapes were destemmed and placed into small open top bins to ferment. During the three week fermentation, the skins were punched-down by hand twice a day to develop rich color and fine tannins. Once dry, the wine was placed into new French oak barrels for 26 months to age. Individual barrels were selected to create this reserve blend.
The Wine
This wine is deeply extracted and displays aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, robust coffee, cassis, tobacco, and smoky oak as well as our signature sage spice. This wine is dense and bold with a commanding presence on the palate and a finish that lingers. A wine that will benefit with bottle age, this full-bodied wine should be enjoyed over the next ten to twelve years.
Others’ Opinions
2006 Vintage
"Incredibly expressive, intense, spicy, blackberryish, slightly jammy and loaded with varietal nuances of pepper and game, this wine holds nothing back in its aromas, and if not as bold as its 15.0% alcohol might suggest, the wine is also not a shrinking violet and will be right at home with garlic-laden leg roasts of lamb. It has noticeable tannin that firms it up appropriately, and it surely will age well for several years." 2-stars, 91 points. Connoisseur's Guide to California Wine, March 2010.
"What a roll Zaca Mesa's been on with Syrah. Their '06 Reserve is dark, rich and impressive, with chocolaty flavors of ripe blackberries, mulberries, violets, teriaki-glazed beef, cedar and black pepper. Dry and tannic, but supple enough to drink now." 93 Points, Wine Enthusiast, November 2009.
Gold Medal, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, 2010.
