2005 Reserve Syrah

“This Reserve Syrah was crafted with Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier to accent the aromatics of wild strawberries, spice, blueberries and cocoa, with hints of subtly sweet orange peel. A slight white chalk, dusty character – hallmark of the Horse Heaven Hills terroir – is followed by mouth-filling flavors of earth, dark chocolate, and cocoa, leading to a seductive blueberry-
strawberry finish.” ~Ray Einberger, Winemakers

Growing Season

• Harvest commenced as one of the earliest on record.
• Warm summer months contributed to the uniformity of berry maturation.
• A temperature drop in late summer cooled the vineyards and allowed the grapes extra hang time to enhance flavor and aromatic development.
• Moderate weather conditions during harvest contributed to mature fruit with intense flavors, good sugar development, and high natural acidity across varietals.

Vineyards

• The Horse Heaven Hills appellation is home to the vineyards sites that are the sole contributors to the Reserve Syrah program.
• Syrah has an affinity for the region’s warm daytime temperatures during summer months and cooler temperatures during the ripening season. Lower temperatures during ripening concentrate aromatics and enhance complexity.
• The region’s low rainfall stresses the vines and ultimately yields concentrated fruit with depth and varietal expression.

Vinification

• Grapes were destemmed and crushed with 20% whole berries remaining.
• Syrah co-fermented with whole berry Viognier (2%) and Grenache (9%) in open-top fermenters with twice-daily pumpovers or in stainless steel fermenters with punch downs four times daily.
• Lots were blended and placed in half new French and half new American oak barrels for malolactic fermentation.
• The wine was racked by gravity flow at three month intervals during its 20 months in barrels.

Vineyards • Columbia Valley
Blend........89% Syrah, 9% Grenache, 2% Viognier
Alcohol......14.2%
Acidity.......0.58 g/100mL
pH............3.7