2006 Salaal
Varietal Composition:
48%,Grenache, 47% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah
Appellation: Edna Valley
This is an unusual and unique blend for us. In some ways it is like a Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Grenache is the dominant varietal, but the blenders have a strong role to play. The Syrah adds spice and earthiness, while the Petite Sirah augments the color that the Grenache lacks. Here in the cold and foggy Edna Valley it is a rare year when we can ripen Grenache at all. In 2006 we made this blend and a stand alone Grenache Noir. Fanciers of this highly scented and delicious varietal should take advantage of the opportunity.
Vineyard Notes
The Salaal vineyard is the home vineyard of co-owner Bob Schiebelhut. In 2006 all of our Grenache came from this vineyard. It reliably produces some of our best Syrah as well, and the Syrah in this blend came from here. The vineyard sits on a relatively flat site, but the gravel beds underlying it help with ripening. Like all of the vineyards in our Edna Ranch Estate we farm this sustainably. We are committed to protecting the health of our soils, our workers and our neighbors. Vineyard Notes
The Salaal vineyard is the home vineyard of co-owner Bob Schiebelhut. In 2006 all of our Grenache came from this vineyard. It reliably produces some of our best Syrah as well, and the Syrah in this blend came from here. The vineyard sits on a relatively flat site, but the gravel beds underlying it help with ripening. Like all of the vineyards in our Edna Ranch Estate we farm this sustainably. We are committed to protecting the health of our soils, our workers and our neighbors.
Winemaking Notes
The trick with late varietals such as Grenache and Syrah is getting them ripe on the vine, not so much any fancy winemaking. We cold soak prior to fermentation. Fermentation is carried out in small open top tanks. After 2-3 weeks we drain down into used French oak. We feel that new oak interferes with these wines. After about 18 months of barrel age we bottle. Then we drink them, and we hope you will too.
Tasting Notes
While Grenache is the dominant wine in this blend it is the Syrah flavors that win the day. This dark almost black wine is ripe earthy and dusty with undertones of BBQ and spiced meat. The mouth is full and almost Zin like. It is a fat and sassy mouthful. You might call it a wine with loose morals. It is so accessible and delicious. There is another layer of perfume under the primary spicy flavors that is almost floral in character. This wine is pretty irresistible!
Technical Information
Clonal Selection: Grenache ALV & GCV, Syrah 174 & 877
Brix at Harvest: 24.7°-26.1°
T.A.: 6.15 g/L
pH: 3.83
Alcohol: 14.4%
Barrel Regime: Used French
Barrel Aging: 17 months
Bottling Date: 3/10/2008
Aging Potential: 4-8 years
Production: 150 cases
Food Pairing: Rich-style foods
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