2006 Fortmiller Vineyard Syrah

Tasting Notes

Wonderfully sumptuous aromas of wild berries, plums, and sweet cocoa with a hint of game. Full-bodied, mouth filling, round and rich. An incredibly well balanced wine with harmonious and complex flavors of ripe brambleberries and stewed plums with well integrated soft, sweet tannins. With acid in perfect balance, if finishes exceptionally long with a symphony of intense fruit and barrel spice. Best through 2015.

Winemaking Notes

This exquisite, limited production single vineyard designated wine is a selection of the three finest barrels of the entire lot. It is en excellent embodiment of Southern Oregon terroir reflecting a higher elevation, cooler growing site. The vineyard was farmed to approximately 3.25 tons per acre with one cluster per shoot in order to maximize exposure for full ripening. Grape cluster were de-stemmed with approximately 70% whole berries intact in the fermenter. The must underwent a six day pre-fermentation cold soak at 45-50 degrees prior to heating to initiate indigenous fermentation. Each lot was punched down three times per day and pressed out between ten and sixteen days total fermentation time. The young wine was introduced to the barrel within sixteen hours of pressing and was racked twice prior to bottling fifteen months later.

Wine Statistics

Vineyard Source: Fortmiller Vineyard, Rogue Valley, Oregon
Harvest Dates: October 10th, 2005
Brix at Harvest: 25.10
Yeast Strain: Proprietary
Fermentation: Open top fermenters
Barrel Aging: 50% French Oak, 50% American Oak
Bottle Date: May 20th, 2005
Cases Produced: 95
Alcohol Level: 14.0% by volume
Blend: 100% Syrah