Truchard Estate Syrah 2018 - 750ml

Vintage: The 2018 vintage will be remembered as nearly perfect. A cold winter with average rainfall made for a late bud-break. Ideal spring weather allowed for a heavy set. Mild conditions throughout summer and fall allowed the large crop to slowly ripen and develop maximum flavor. The wines of 2018 are powerful but elegant; with firm acidity and beautiful balance. This could be the vintage of the decade! 

Vineyard: There are 12 acres of Syrah planted on the Truchard Estate Vineyard. Four acres are in the “Highlands” region to the north, and 8 acres are located at the southern end of the vineyard. These areas are dominated by austere hillsides composed of volcanic rock and ash. The vines range from 20 – 28 years old and benefit from the unique combination of soil, exposure, and cool Carneros temperatures. The result is a full-bodied wine, with flavors and structure reminiscent of the northern Rhône. 

Winemaking: All of the fruit was gently destemmed and crushed into open top fermenters with approximately 20% whole berries. Individual lots were inoculated with Pasteur Red yeast. Fermentations were punched down twice daily, with the temperature peaking at 88º F. After 14 days of maceration, each lot was pressed and allowed to settle in tank before going to barrel. The wine was aged for 10 months in both French (90%) and American (10%) oak; 30% of these barrels were new. Rackings occurred every 4 months until bottling in August of 2019. This wine is drinkable upon release, but will reward careful cellaring for the next 10 – 15 years.