1996 Syrah

Cline Cellars
1996 Syrah
Los Carneros

Technical Notes
1996 Syrah
Los Carneros
HARVEST DATE:September 25 to 28
BRIX AT HARVEST: 23.8 to 24.7
TOTAL ACIDITY: 0.66g/100ml
FINAL pH: 3.40
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 0.141g/100ml
ALCOHOL: 14.0%
SUGGESTED RETAIL: $18

1998 Sweepstakes Red Wine Winner at the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Fair
VINTAGES NOTES
The 1996 vintage was characterized by a very warm summer tempered, in Los Carneros district, by strong winds and a maritime cooling influence. Late rains in mid-May reduced yields, concentrating varietal flavor in the remaining fruit. Harvest at the Carneros ranch came relatively early, producing a tiny crop of powerfully flavored fruit with impressive acid structure. In particular, our 1996 whites will be known for their forward fruit and intense, authoritative flavors.

VINEYARDS
Though only the third vintage from our 18 acre hillside vineyard in Sonoma's Los Carneros district, 1996 demonstrates the incredible synergy that Syrah has shown with this unique site. The chilly Los Carneros fogs and the steep, north-facing slope of this hillside vineyards offer a particularly cool climate for ripening Syrah, lending the wines a pronounced, bright cherry and cracked pepper character. Well-drained, rocky loam soils force vines to struggle and keep yields extremely low, further concentrating fruit character. character in the grapes. We have been truly impressed with the quality and individuality of wine produced from this unique vineyard.

FERMENTATION AND AGING
In 1996 our hillside Syrah was among the last vineyards to be harvested. Grapes arrived at the crush pad in good condition--ripe and showing no signs of rot--and were de-leafed by hand before partial destemming and a very light crushing. After a 48 hour cold soak to extract flavor and color without harsh tannins, fermentation proceeded at moderate temperatures in stainless steel with a combination of cultured and indigenous yeasts. The cap was pumped over thrice daily, ensuring complete color saturation. Pressed off its skins at dryness, the 1996 was racked twice and completed malolactic fermentation before being laid down to a complement of small French and American oak cooperage--approximately 25% new American. 14 months barrel age and an additional month in tank before bottling lend this wine a smooth, harmonious vanilla-tinged finish..

WINEMAKER'S COMMENTS
I am truly amazed at the affinity that Syrah has shown for the soils and micro-climate of our I am truly amazed at the affinity that Syrah has shown for the soils and micro-climate of our Carneros ranch. A grape that demonstrates its greatest potential for grandeur in the Northern Rhone appellations of Cote-Rotie and Hermitage. Syrah exhibits many of the same brilliant fruit and smoky/tarry characteristics, here, in Carneros. The steep northerly slope of our hillside vineyard seems to help bring forward the fresh cracked pepper, cherry and raspberry notes that are typical of Syrah from a cooler climate. In the winery, careful management, hygiene and modern winemaking techniques contribute the explosive fruit nature of this wine without, I feel, the funky animal aromas that mar Old World examples of the grape. Delicious presently, the ripe, medium-weight tannins of our 1996 Syrah will allow this wine to age beautifully for 5 to 7 years.

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Copyright © 1997 Cline Cellars Inc., All Rights Reserved