2016 Syrah

The Vintage
Once again Mother Nature has provided Sonoma County another vintage year for growers and winemakers. 2016 was by many measures an exceptional year to grow grapes. The season started early as did the previous year. The crop was slightly larger than 2015 but excellent quality. It was an early harvest season, beginning in mid-August and finishing up by the end of September, another record year here at Trione Vineyards and Winery.

Winemaking
The 2016 Syrah is a blend of two French clones identified as 470 and 877. Both of these selections are considered high quality and originate from the northern Cote Du Rhone region of France. The wine is make much like our Pinot Noir in that it is fermented with whole berries in open top fermenters. The wine is hand plunged up to four times per day to allow for maximum extraction of flavor and color from the skins. The whole berries retain the deep dark blackberry fruit character that is so intense in the wine. The addition to Syrah, five percent Viognier is co-fermented to lend a floral aromatic component to the wine. This is a traditional wine-making technique of the Cote du Rhone region.

Tasting Notes
The 2016 Syrah is a Pinot Noir lover's Syrah; rich and inviting on the nose and palate. A charcuterie of sweet, smoked meats comes to mind. The seductive aromas of peaty, wet earth with hints of plum, blueberry and wild blackberry preserves are ever present. This wine is rich and decadent with the body, balance and structure to age beautifully for the next 5-7 years. Enjoy this Syrah with almost any cuisine.