2019 2019 Grist Syrah
SYRAH is a classic French varietal, stemming from an over 2000 year old cross pollination of two nearly extinct varietals, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche, from the southeastern corner of the country. Syrah is known for its heartiness, but also delicate and smooth palate. This Syrah is a bold California expression, rich in body and flavor.
Technical
Tasting Notes
We love how this wine truly shows off both the terroir and climate of this gorgeous vineyard. With so much sunshine on these western facing vines, you can practically taste the rays coming through into the glass. In the glass, the wine is floral and fruity, a true California wine. On the palette the 25% whole cluster lends delicate spice to the bright blackberry note. This wine is velvet and a true crowd pleaser.
Details
Up above the Dry Creek Valley at 1000 feet elevation is the Grist Vineyard. The unique iron rich soil coupled with the western exposure of this terraced Syrah vineyard yields a beautiful wine. When looking at a map, there is nothing in between these grapes on Bradford Mountain and the sea except for 25 miles of forest. The vineyard was planted in the 1970s by the Hambrecht Family and farmed organically since the early 2000s. It was a welcome addition to the Raft Wines lineup in 2017 and we’re honored to work with the fruit.
The Grist Vineyard was picked on September 6, and we kept 25% of the fruit whole cluster. After 13 days fermenting, it was pressed and sent to the barrel. We’re always so impressed that after one day on the skin the color is always and incredibly rich dark color – sure to stain our hands!
On August 13, 2020, the wine went into bottle after a 10 month aging period unfined and unfiltered.