Fife L'Attitude 39 2004

This southern Rhône-style wine is a blend of old vine Carignane, Syrah, Grenache Noir, Petite Sirah and Mourvèdre. Grown on the sun-washed slopes of the Ukiah and Redwood Valleys (latitude 39º), these meridianal varieties feel right at home in Mendocino County. Longer daylight hours during the growing season, coupled with clear, warm days and cool nights, rocky, well-drained soils, and favorable exposures on the hillside slopes above the Russian River create a terroir comparable to many parts of the Rhône, the ancestral home of these varieties.

Black fruit contributions from Syrah combine with the intrigue of wild berries, licorice, bitter chocolate, espresso, plus the heady scents of wild herbs, wood spice and sunbaked stones. The inclusion of Carignane from Redwood Valley adds a ripe jamminess that "glues" all the other components together. Forward and lush this offering has a mature, sophisticated rich finish. There are hidden layers of flavors that step forward to dance with almost any food on the table.