Montevina 2005 Syrah’s eggplant-colored ensemble tastefully adorns her opulent body. Whiffs of sandlewoodand violet perfume waft enticingly out of the glass, exciting your sensibilities. Luscious red fruit flavors ooze across a verdant valley of spice. Campfire smoke, freshly roasted nuts, and fine tannin lace together a lingering, satisfying finish. Enjoy with a duck trio of roast breast, confitand paté, wild mushrooms, or a loaf of crusty bread with a pungent cheese.
Syrah was first established as a noble grape in the Rhône Valley of Southeast France. In the Northern Rhône, where it is the predominant varietal, syrah is crafted into much sought after Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, and Cornas. Syrah has since circumnavigated the globe. Substantial plantings can be found in California, Oregon, Australia, and South Africa. Our vineyards are planted on rolling Sierra Nevada Foothills that receive plenty of rainfall, but the soil is extremely rocky and drains well. Tender shoots grow vertically quite vigorously and are susceptible to damage from the elements for a period after budbreakwhich helps to limit the crop. Syrah has uncommonly long peduncles (stems) so the clusters hang away from the cane and get better sunshine and airflow. Syrah around the world demonstrates a tendency called “dimpling.” When the berries reach maximum weight, the flow of water and solublesfrom the vine phloem (vessels) is restricted. The berries are typically not yet ripe so loss of berry weight, “dimpling,” and an increase in soluble solids are a result of plant respiration…which is vineyard speak for little berries packed with flavor.
