2016 Murmur, Syrah

Description

Varietal: 97% Syrah, 3% Viognier

Vineyard: Murmur Vineyard

Region: Santa Maria Valley

Bottle Size: 750ml

This is a cool climate site for Syrah. The vineyard is planted mainly to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The fog layer usually clears  up around noon and temperatures do not climb very high. Our Syrah is Clone 383, known for it’s very beautiful berry and floral  components. It was co-fermented with 3% Viognier and aged for almost 2 years in French Oak. We utilized 25% new oak, a  Tonnellerie Tremeaux Burgundian barrel, which imparted meaty, smoky nuance to the wine, highlighting some of it’s Northern  Rhône-esque secondary notes.  This will most likely be our only bottling of Syrah from Murmur as the vineyard (also known as Rancho Real as it is situated  along Highway 101, or El Camino Real) was purchased by Gallo in 2018.

New Release TN’s:

Date Tasted: Dec. 2018

Nose: Intense, deep blackberry jam, apricot, signature Californian cool climate Syrah. Very perfumed. Hints of floral rose and  vanilla. As temps rise and the wine opens in glass, it takes on a muskier, root beer like nose.

Mouth: Full bodied. Big and fat but with good acidity and fore palate attack. Tannin is fully integrated. Pretty floral and  feminine blue fruit, classic clone 383. Very long finish showing hints of tar, incense, barrel smoke, meat and sage.

Additional Notes:

– Drink slightly chilled. We found this wine more enjoyable in Bordeaux shaped glass.

– Decanting is recommended but tastes great upon opening too.

– This wine should pair well grilled meat, hearty stew and heavy pasta dishes

– Drink now through 2025.