2018 Syrah

Estate

When I took over the farming here on the estate in 2012, I gained a new appreciation for the sacrifices that are required. It also gave me a much better appreciation for what I ask from my grape grower partners. There are no set hours, no set rules, and each year brings a different challenge that requires a separate solution; whether it’s drought, frost, rain, or pests. This is the best reason for bottling a wine from a single vineyard; a testament to the perseverance of the grower as much as it is an expression of that site. Not every grower or every vineyard site can offer a complete story to warrant being bottled separately, but it is worth seeking out those that can.
 
The estate Syrah has shown that it deserves to be bottled separately, not just because of our hard work, but also that it makes a distinctive wine that ages particularly well. My remaining bottles from 2003 are still wonderful wines. Conditions in 2018 were almost ideal and harvest started without the heat spikes of 2017. As a result, the wine is a shade more elegant than the ’17 version and has such lovely balance that makes it one of my favorite wines from that vintage. Ready to drink now but with the ability to continue to improve for another 5-8 years.