Dehlinger Goldridge Syrah 2010
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Dehlinger's three-acre Estate Syrah Vineyard sources the fruit for two bottlings: the "Goldridge" Syrah (from vines grown in the deeper Goldridge soil portions of the vineyard) and the "Altamont" Syrah (from vines grown on the higher elevation Altamont Soil). Periodically, the east-facing portion of the vineyard is bottled separately as "East Face Syrah." This high ridge of drier soil is less vigorous and produces the most concentrated wine.
The Syrahs are aged in 132 gallon oak puncheons. Twice the volume of a standard barrel, these casks permit a longer, slower maturation and a more delicate oak profile that showcases the varietal power of our wines.
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This presents Syrah in a more tannic, structured style, with crushed rock, loamy earth, dark berry and cedar-tobacco leaf scents, ending with tannins that provide traction and a burst of black licorice.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.