2021 Syrah

Rossi Ranch

Much of Rossi Ranch has now been replanted, but they have kept as much as possible of the original plantings from 1910. These changes have resulted in my Rossi Ranch Syrah now coming from the Lawndale #7 Block, planted using the Alban “power block” selection. The team is dedicated to the Rossi Ranch and this leads to a greater understanding of the unique soils and microclimates. The picking and farming are exemplary, and apart from our estate grapes, this is the cleanest fruit that comes into the winery. As I am half of the sorting team when fruit is delivered, I really appreciate that I have almost nothing to do. Rossi fruit is virtually free of leaves and other debris, what we call “mog”, or material other than grapes.The Rossi Syrah is usually the biggest of my Syrah wines and is kept longer in bottle before release for that reason. It is my last release from 2021 and the extra aging time has allowed the wine to showcase the meaty and gamey side of the Syrah grape. It will be at its best with more robust meals and will continue to do so for another 7-10 years for those with cellar space.