2017 Rodney's Vineyard Syrah 1.5L

Only 40 bottles released

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Syrah

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Rodney's Vineyard (Blocks F1, F3-A, I) located on the Fess Parker Home Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley

Barrel Aging

Aged 21 months in 100% French oak, of which 46% is new

Cooperage

Francois Freres, Meyrieux, Sirugue, Mercurey

Technical Data

Composition

96% Syrah, 4% Viognier

Alcohol %

14.1

Acidity

0.540 g/100mL

3.58

Harvest Brix

23.2-23.3

Harvest Date

9/26-10/4/17

Production

60 bottles

Description

This Syrah is a rich, complex, full-bodied wine exhibiting layers of berry, cherry, cassis, clove, spice, earth, toast and smoke flavors. Enjoyable upon release, this wine will reward those with the patience to cellar it for 10 years or more.

Our single vineyard and small lot releases enable us to deliver some of our finest expressions of Syrah by concentrating on specific vineyards, clonal selections or techniques. Our estate vineyard, named in memory of Fess' late son-in-law, was planted in 1989 to predominantly Rhone varietal types. The wines from this vineyard have consistently been some of the most expressive and highly acclaimed in our portfolio.

Wine Critic Reviews

"...a very pretty wine. Bright red berry fruit, a touch of new wood and expansive floral overtones give the 2017 an elegant, restrained personality that is almost Pinot like in its fruit purity and early approachability. This is a decidedly forward, fruity mid-weight Syrah. The 2017 will be easy to drink upon release." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "The nose on this wine smells exactly like Coffee Rio candy and is reminiscent of a maple-sugar-enhanced concentrated cappuccino. That same note sticks on the palate, pleasantly if dominantly so, joining the dense boysenberry fruit and finishing with caramel." ~ Wine Enthusiast "...slightly piercing notes of black and blue fruits, ground pepper, asphalt, and violet aromas and flavors. This big, juicy, full-bodied effort is straight-up loaded with fruit yet stays balanced and has a fresh, lively character. I wouldn't push the aging curve, but it should keep for 4-5 years." ~ Jeb Dunnuck