Winemaker Notes
Red Car's original estate vineyard, planted in 2005, crowns the northwestern corner of King Ridge Road above Fort Ross on the coastline of Sonoma County. It sits at 900–1000 feet and is defined by giant coastal redwoods and the fog-laden Pacific Ocean. This proximity to the ocean moderates temperatures and makes it susceptible to rain and fog during the flowering season, which keeps yields very low. The vines are planted in fractured marine sandstone that weathered over millions of years from an uplifted seabed known as the Ohlson Ranch Formation. This soil offers the same viticultural advantages as the oft-referenced Goldridge series found in the lower West Sonoma Coast elevations around Sebastopol, yet differs by including less clay and more stone than sand in its composition. The vineyard is densely planted to multiple clones of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2021 Syrah Estate is sourced from the most westerly block on the property. Dark, layered and exceptionally vivid, the 2021 is a total knock-out. Purplish fruit, lavender, mint, black pepper, incense and a dollop of whole cluster savoriness infuse the 2021 with tons of character. Aging of 22 months in barrel works so well here.
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Wine Enthusiast
The nose of this coastal, high elevation Syrah is very savory, with crushed raspberry, black pepper, black olive, plum skin and clove aromas swirling. The palate is packed with dark berry fruit and black tea flavors from some whole cluster inclusion and snappy tannins, evoking memories of Crozes-Hermitage. Drink 2028-2040.
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Wine Spectator
Sleek and sinewy, with multilayered cherry and cranberry flavors that take on cinnamon, dried sage and espresso accents as this gathers tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032. 200 cases made.
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.”
On the far western edge of the larger Sonoma Coast appellation, the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA hugs right up against the Pacific coast. Vineyards, planted at rugged elevations between 920 to 1,800 feet, occupy only two percent of the total land in the AVA. Fort Ross-Seaview growers believe that the region boasts an ideal mix of sunshine, cool air and beneficial stress for producing high quality Chardonnay and Pinot noir.