2004 Syrah
Wine Details
Appelation: Rattlesnake Hills
Vineyard(s): Elephant Mountain Vineyard
Blend: 100% Syrah
Harvest Date: 10/8/2004
Bottling Date: 5/9/2005
Alcohol: 13.7%
Details: 29.4° brix / .64 TA /
Retail Price: $29.00 / Cases:
Wilridge Winery
Vineyards
Elephant Mountain Vineyard is located high on a South-facing slope of the Rattlesnake Hills at the base of the Mountain of the same name. The vineyard is enclosed by a natural amphitheater that protects the grapes and concentrates the sun’s warmth. The long growing season and cool nighttime temperatures at the vineyard are perfect for growing Syrah.
Winemaking
The grapes were picked on October 8 at 25.9° brix, .64 TA and 3.71 pH. The grapes were hand harvested, delivered to the winery in a refrigerated truck, and hand sorted at the winery. The juice was co-fermented with a small percentage of Viognier. The wine was aged for 18 months in 2 and 3-year-old French-oak barrels. 214 cases were bottled on May 9, 2005.
Winemaker Comments
“Syrah may be my favorite red grape and I have been looking for a good source from Washington State for several years. I think I found it at Elephant Mountain. The sun-baked slopes of the vineyard remind me of the Rhone Valley’s Cote Rotie, and the wine is similar to Cote Rotie in style – with a rich, almost smoky flavor. This wine tasted great within weeks of harvest and will only get better with time. Enjoy it with hearty winter fare such as stews and grilled meats." ~P. Beveridge
Tasting Notes
Inky red, almost purple in color. The aroma is classic Syrah, with intense fruit and smoky notes reminiscent of bacon or ham. The nose also has hints of flowers and orange peel from the co-fermented Viognier. The wine is rich, flavorful, and concentrated. It could be cellared for at least ten years, but why wait when it tastes so good now?
Previous Awards
Gold Medal at the prestigious Hilton Head Wine Festival.