Vineyards
Our 2007 Syrah spotlights three Fringe Vineyards. The majority
of the fruit is from a place that now seems like home to all
of us, Bradford Mountain. We sourced our fruit from two vineyards
at the apex of Bradford, with the largest percentage being
from Grist Vineyard. Bradford Mountain is perfect for growing
world class Syrah. With fog being a persistent guest, cool
temperatures and frizzle (foggy drizzle) greet the vines every
night and leave early the next day. High on the mountaintop
we get a bit more wind than the valley during most summer
days. This breeze allows the vines to stay cool and dry during
the day and moderates hot summer temperatures. A small percentage
of Syrah also comes from Unti Vineyards, which is where we
see an oomph of pure Dry Creek goodness added to the blend.
Unti is just off the valley floor and is situated on one of
the largest wildlife corridors in Dry Creek. It has been farmed
biodynamically since 2003, and our Bradford Mountain vineyards
have been farmed organically since 1998. Farming with the
Wild + Organic Techniques = FRINGE Vineyards
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Vintage
2007 was an outstanding vintage for Syrah and for
Dry Creek Valley. Low winter rainfall caused an early budbreak,
which led to a lengthier growing season overall as well as smaller
berry size with increased phenolic concentration. This year
was the vintage of two harvests, one early and one late. Cooler
than average temperatures during a respite in the first half
of September and October only worked in our favor as flavors
continued to develop and the fruit matured. Both of our Syrah
blocks were harvested in the last weeks of October. Grist Vineyard
was the very last block we brought in. Just in time for cervezas
and delicious carne asada tacos.
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Wine
The 2007 Syrah is madly aromatic and bursting with
blackberries, blueberries and spice. Light notes of clove, cinnamon
and vanilla delightfully intermingle with a dose of rich cobbler-esqe
fruit. Soft and lush on entry, heady fruit flavors of blackberry,
black cherry, and a delicate earthiness lead to the wine’s
quietly assertive acidity and medium long finish. The refined
and pebbly tannic structure is able to withstand some bottle
age. We are really excited to see how the 2007 vintage tastes
in 3-5 years!$40 per bottle.
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Harvest
Dates
October 2007
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Barrel
Aging
18 months
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Block
Grist, Bradford Mountain, Unti
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pH
3.67
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Appellation
100% Dry Creek Valley
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Alcohol
14.8%
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Blend
100% Syrah
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Release
Date
May 2009
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