2003 Napa Valley Syrah
This is the fourth offering of Napa Valley Syrah from La Sirena.
I make Syrah from both Napa Valley and Santa Ynez grapes and find the fruit to be quite distinct by region so I decided to bottle them separately to show off their regional characteristics. The variety seems to do great in a range of growing regions, soil types, and climates and is a pleasure to work with since I have been a fan of Syrah and Rhone wines for many years. It simply makes delicious wine!
Just the Facts:
- Harvest Date - Oct 14, 2003
- Blend is 100% Syrah (eastern hills of St. Helena)
- Some Chemistry - 15.2% alc., T.A. 0.62, pH 3.85
- 100% French oak barrels, 40% new for 22 months
- Bottling date: May 25, 2005
- Release date: Oct 1, 2006
- Production of 750 cs. (750 ml. bottles), 20 cs. 1.5L Magnums, (12) 3L double magnums
Winemaker Tasting Notes: (tasted 9/6/06 by HPB)
Deep garnet in color, this is a beautiful wine. Aromas are of ripe plum, spice, white pepper, and cedar with some classic Syrah smoked meat tones. A pure expression of the variety grown in the Napa Valley. On the palate, it is very luxurious, super round, silky, rich and mouth-filling. The flavors echo the aromas with layers of black fruits and spice, great texture and wonderful balance. This wine has it all!
Robert Parker Says:
"Barrett does a superb job with Syrah, and there are now two bottlings from La Sirena. The 2003 Syrah Napa displays a roasted, scorched earth character along with sweet blackberry fruit, licorice and pepper. Opulent, thick, juicy, and impressively endowed, it should last even longer than the 2002." 93 pts