2006 Syrah, Estate Bottled Santa Ynez Valley
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 cold-soak for 4 days and then to ferment, some with native yeast. During fermentation, the rising grape skins were punched down twice a day resulting in wine of intense color, rich flavors and fine tannins. This wine was aged for sixteen months in French oak barrels; 30% of them were new.
The Wine
Our Syrah displays rich blackberry, cassis, espresso, mocha and our signature sage spice aromas and flavors. The silky finish lingers from the ripe tannins and smoky oak. This full-bodied wine should be enjoyed over the next ten years. A traditional pairing for this wine is a rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic. Grilled meats and bold cheese will also pair well.
Others' Opinions 2006 Vintage "Offering wonderful floral, grapey plum and wild berry aromas, this is rich, smooth and supple on the palate, with tiers dark berry, mocha, mineral and spice flavors that glide along. Drink now through 2015.--J.L." 93 Points, Smart Buy, Wine Spectator Jan 31-Feb 28, 2010. 2005 Vintage "This is Zaca Mesa's basic Syrah, and it's quite a good wine. Dry and rich in tannins, it's showing complex flavors of black currants, black pepper, violets and cedar, with a meaty, leathery edge. Now through 2010." 90 Points, Wine Enthusiast, May 2009 "Top Values" Wine Spectator, March 31, 2009 "Tight and beefy, with focused blueberry and wild berry flavors that are spicy and complex. Full-bodied, with a hint of stewed plum and wild berry peaking through on the finish. Drink now through 2015. J.L." 92 points, Smart Buy, Wine Spectator, Jan 31-Feb 28, 2009 2004 Vintage "The winery has held this wine back for more than four years before releasing it, with excellent results. However tannic it might have been, it's now a softly lush, complex wine, even a dramatic one. Filled with blackberry, dark chocolate, tangerine zest, violet, anise, leather and tobacco flavors, it's a big wine, but a completely satisfying one." 92 points, Editor's Choice, Wine Enthusiast, April 2009
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