2019 Syrah Sam's Valley Vineyard, 750ml, 14.2%

Winemaker Notes:  2014 was a great vintage for Quady North.  Not only was it a nice, warm, even year, but the vineyard also set a great crop, and we moved into a new facility, full of the equipment we needed to make excellent wines.  As the 2014’s are released, one can start to see the difference, especially if one is close to the wines like we are.  The wines are supple, but also fresh and vibrant, with a very pure nose.  All this is the result of very careful handling in the winery, excluding oxygen at every step and treating the wine as gently as possible.    

Mae’s Vineyard is part of our Estate Vineyard, named for our eldest daughter: Margaux Mae.  We planted this vineyard to high quality ENTAV clones in 2006.  Our single vineyard Syrah is generally sourced from clones 877 and 174. 

We make our single vineyard Syrahs by fermenting whole berries in one ton insulated bins, then pressing off near dryness.  They age in a combination of small, new French oak, and larger, more neutral French Oak barrels, racking just once in 18 months.  

Tasting Notes:    Mae’s Syrah seems to be defined by consistent pure, dark fruit.  As in previous bottlings, there is a natural balance.  The 2014 has a note of Amerena cherry, as well some grilled meat aromas.  Supple and smooth, it is definitely ready to drink now, but should also age gracefully for several years.  

Date Planted: 2006

Clone: 174 on 3309

pH: 3.66, TA: 5.8 g/L, r.s.: <.3g/100mL, EtOH: 13.8% abv, 

92 pts & Editor's Choice :: Wine Enthusiast