Barnard Griffin Syrah 2004

Sensory:
Here is another great Syrah!! Again with a warm vintage we gained great color and dramatic structure. The aromas of our 2004 are intense and very ripe with a background note of spicy toasted French oak. Scents of plums, blackberries and violets are dominant. The flavors are dark and rich on the palate following through with the dark fruit theme. The wine is soft in its tannins but balanced with good acidity.

Vineyards and Growing Season:
The 2004 growing season was hot with deep ripening fruit that gave us wines of good structure. Both sugars and acids were balanced and optimal throughout our contracted Syrah vineyards. I believe that Syrah achieves best results in our climate if allowed to begin its characteristic dehydration. I remain dedicated to blending different vineyard sources to achieve balanced, full flavored wines.

Winemaking:
ICV D54 yeast was used with a maximum fermentation temp of 88F
Pump-overs 2 to 3 times daily until fermented to ca. 5 degrees brix
Bottled 7/05
Malo-lactic positive
Aged in both American and French oak barrels

Alcohol: 13.8%