Winemaker Notes
Among red varieties Syrah reigns supreme in its ability to produce great wine from both warm and cold sites. The warm locales give us intensely colored wines that are overt and voluptuous. The cooler sites produce exotically scented bottlings of structure and elegance. Dry Creek Valley's Kuljian Vineyards is one of those rare sites possessing the best attributes of both climatic categories.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The big, terroir-driven 2004 Syrah Kuljian Vineyard (198 cases) falls somewhere in between its two siblings. Possessing abundant amounts of damp earth, truffle, pepper, blackberry, blueberry, and acacia flower notes, it is a serious, full, chewy, impressive Syrah that may improve for 2-3 years, and last for a decade.
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 multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.