2005 Syrah, Annadel Estate, Sonoma Valley, Library Selection
Released
March 2009, 195 cases produced
Internet-Direct Price: $28.50 / 750 mL bottle
Syrah is a versatile grape, which has made the wine a worldwide phenomenon. These wines have many identities - some find it in bottles bearing cute animal caricatures or upside down labels, others look for heavy bottles with highly-styled blacks and golds.
Westwood Syrah is its own wine - above all, a product of the unique soils and climate of our tiny corner of Sonoma Valley. Our winemaker took his inspirations from the traditional Syrahs produced in the appellations of the northern Rhône, from Hermitage to Côte Rôtie.
Our first Estate Syrah is a big wine, characteristic of the 2005 vintage - big, and closed-in. When it finally opens up in the glass there is an explosive intensity of complex aromas, blending varietal fruit with Annadel minerality and hints of Provençal garrigue.
Winemaker's tasting notes:
The appearance of this wine in the glass is inky dark red - if one could see through the wine it would have perfect clarity. The wine is initially very closed-in; aromas develop in the glass over the course of an hour. Do not be afraid to decant this wine before serving. When the aromas open up the wine shows dark blue and red fruits, meaty essence reminiscent of bacon fat, dried citrus peel, a roasted barley component, woodsy foresty undergrowth aromas, complex spices of pepper, lavender, thyme and heather, and a dusty note characteristic of the Annadel soil. On the palate the wine shows good weight, acid balance and restrained tannins. The finish is long and complicated, and grades into a refreshing aftertaste.
Our first Annadel Estate Syrah demonstrates that a big wine can be light on its feet. Far from being weighty and fatiguing, this wine is a crisp accompaniment to meats, red pastas and strong cheeses.
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Our first Estate Syrah expresses the true essence of the varietal: blueberries, bacon fat, dried orange rind, roasted grain, briar, black pepper and a subtle minerality. Classic.
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