2003 Syrah
2003 Syrah
Wine Notes
by Barnard Griffin
Vintage Notes
Again, a perfect vintage for Washington State Syrah. We achieved great ripeness with a massive fruit component. The aromas of our 2003 are intense and very ripe with hints of toasted French oak. Rich scents of dark fruits, blackberries and violets are dominant. The flavors are big, rich and almost sweet on the palate following through with the dark fruit theme. The wine is soft in its tannins but balanced with good acidity.
2003 Tulip Syrah
Vineyards
The 2003 growing season was another hot one with deep ripening fruit that gave us wines of great texture and depth. This Syrah has great weight and is showing good structure. Both sugars and acids were balanced and optimal throughout our contracted Syrah vineyards. I believe that Syrah achieves best results in our climate if allowed to begin its characteristic dehydration. I remain dedicated to blending different vineyard sources to achieve balanced, full flavored wines. Here are my sources for 2003 Syrah:
Desert Air Vineyard Columbia Valley/Wahluke Slope
Gunkle Vineyards Columbia Valley/Columbia Gorge
Wine Making
ICV D54 yeast was used with a maximum fermentation temp of 88F
Pump-overs 2 to 3 times daily until fermented to ca. 5 degrees brix
Bottled 4/04
Malolactic positive
Aged in both American and French oak barrels