Fife L'Attitude 39 2001

This southern Rhône-style wine is a blend of Syrah, Carignane, Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsaut. Grown on the sun-washed slopes of the Ukiah and Redwood Valleys (latitude 39º), these meridional 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.

This L'Attitude 39 is our most complex and soave Rhône-style blend to date. 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 extra inclusion of Grenache 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. This wine is guaranteed to adjust your attitude.