Winemaker Notes
When we describe our production protocol for the Aisling, many people immediate assume that this wine will be in an ‘Aussie' style. After all, most of the finest Australian Shiraz are a blend of Syrah vineyards, partially barrel fermented and aged in American oak, etc. While the protocol is similar, the end result usually has more in common with the Northern Rhône appellation of Crozes-Hermitage.
Our Aisling showcases aromas of Herbes de Provence, earth, cherry and spice, and flavors of kirsch, plum, minerals, blueberry and pepper. The palate is rather immense and extracted, but there's good acidity and finely-integrated tannins that keep it all in check.
When it comes to our two blended vineyard Syrahs, there's a basic rule of thumb. If you're a Francophile chances are that you'll enjoy our Craic. If, on the other hand, you enjoy bigger, bolder, New World wines, the Aisling will be more to your liking.
Aisling is a Gaelic word that means ‘dream' or ‘vision', and describes a Syrah that follows a decidedly different vision than our other Syrahs. And different is good.
"Smoky, peppery, and earthy is the 2004 Syrah The Aisling (100% Syrah). It exhibits tremendous depth, richness, and full-bodied power as well as a long, textured, heady finish. Consume it over the next decade."
-Wine Advocate
Professional Ratings
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.”
The largest and perhaps most varied of California’s wine-growing regions, the Central Coast produces a good majority of the state's wine. This vast California wine district stretches from San Francisco all the way to Santa Barbara along the coast, and reaches inland nearly all the way to the Central Valley.
Encompassing an extremely diverse array of climates, soil types and wine styles, it contains many smaller sub-AVAs, including San Francisco Bay, Monterey, the Santa Cruz Mountains, Paso Robles, Edna Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley.
While the Central Coast California wine region could probably support almost any major grape varietiy, it is famous for a few Central Coast reds and whites. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are among the major ones. The Central Coast is home to many of the state's small, artisanal wineries crafting unique, high-quality wines, as well as larger producers also making exceptional wines.