Salentein Syrah 2003
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The 2003 Salentein Syrah has excellent structure and concentration, balanced acidity and a long finish. Recommended aging: Six to eight years.
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Established in the late 1990s, Bodegas Salentein is a privately-owned estate of almost 5,000 acres, of which 1,124 acres are planted to vine. Located in Mendoza’s famed Uco Valley, Salentein produces a remarkable collection of wines from vineyards planted in some of the highest elevations on the planet.
As pioneers in Argentina’s Uco Valley, Salentein is committed to mastering the art of high altitude vineyard cultivation and producing the finest expression of South American wines while respecting the native land, people and culture. José Galante, Salentein’s distinguished Chief Winemaker, is one of the most influential in Argentina and has been called the “Father of Argentine Malbec.” Galante works closely with consultant and legendary winemaker Paul Hobbs to craft expressive wines with viticultural depth and a precise balance of flavors.
Bodegas Salentein is a wine destination like no other, and the property includes a world-class winery and cellars, a 125-acre nature preserve, the showpiece Killka Center for Culture and the Arts, a nearby lodge (the Posada Salentein, offering an elegant and relaxed retreat into nature), and the landmark Chapel of Gratitude, a non-denominational chapel built using ancient local stonework techniques.
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.”
With vineyards tretching along the eastern side of the Andes Mountains from Patagonia in the south to Salta in the north, Argentina is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic wine producing countries—and most important in South America.
Since the late 20th century vineyard investments, improved winery technology and a commitment to innovation have all contributed to the country’s burgeoning image as a producer of great wines at all price points. The climate here is diverse but generally continental and agreeable, with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters—a positive, as snow melt from the Andes Mountains is used heavily to irrigate vineyards. Grapes very rarely have any difficulty achieving full ripeness.
Argentina’s famous Mendoza region, responsible for more than 70% of Argentina’s wine production, is further divided into several sub-regions, with Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley most noteworthy. Red wines dominate here, especially Malbec, the country’s star variety, while Chardonnay is the most successful white.
The province of San Juan is best known for blends of Bonarda and Syrah. Torrontés is a specialty of the La Rioja and Salta regions, the latter of which is also responsible for excellent Malbecs grown at very high elevation.