Winemaker Notes
The 2004 Syrah exhibits a deep, ruby red color, hinting at the density of flavors to come. The initial nose is of violets and loam from a forest after the rain. The second nose delivers dark ripe fruit, leather and tobacco leaves. The wine is exceedingly soft on the palate, caressing the mouth with the velvety taste of black cherries and ripe plums, a distinct note of pepper and cinnamon, and a remarkable tannic structure. The overall experience is generous and substantial, and the finish is long and luscious.
Francois recommends that this Syrah be served cool and decanted for 20 to 30 minutes prior to serving. The wine will age for another four to five years, reaching its peak in approximately three years. At this point it will have developed deeper, earthier characteristics and a stronger leather note.
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.”
Home to a diverse array of smaller AVAs with varied microclimates and soil types, Sonoma County has something for every wine lover. Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the region only produces about half the amount of wine but boasts both tremendous quality and variety. With its laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude, the wineries of Sonoma are appreciated by wine tourists for their friendliness and approachability. The entire county intends to become a 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.
Sonoma County wines are produced with carefully selected grape varieties to reflect the best attributes of their sites—Dry Creek Valley’s consistent sunshine is ideal for Zinfandel, while the warm Alexander Valley is responsible for rich, voluptuous red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are important throughout the county, most notably in the cooler AVAs of Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah have also found a firm footing here.