Souverain Alexander Valley Syrah 2001

Aromas on this Syrah start with blueberry, cassis black pepper and raspberry notes with hints of floral and spice. The mouthfeel is warm, supple and rich, with flavors of ripe berries, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla framing a core of lush fruit. This estate wine is designed to be approachable, yet have a sense of complexity and richness, allowing for development with bottle age.

The grapes for Chateau Souverain's Syrah come from our estate vineyards, located at the northern end of the Alexander Valley, adjacent to the western bank of the Russian River. The gravelly soils of the Viognier and Syrah vineyards, positioned on slopes overlooking the river, are of moderate fertility and vigor, which helps to keep the crop loads in good balance. The hillsides, located further back from the river provide the Mourvèdre with even less fertile soil than the Viognier and Syrah vineyards, helping to keep this large clustered variety stressed enough to ensure concentrated fruit development.

One of "The Year's Best Syrahs." "Rustic and dynamic, this has the energy syrah gets when the vine hits a balanced ripeness. There's an electricity between the crushed granite tannins and the crushed violet fruit, a juiciness in the end that keeps coming on..."
-Wines & Spirits