2018 Syrah Reserve

Harvested from Zayante Vineyard. Two of the six barrels from the 2018 vintage were hand-picked for this special reserve bottling. The wine was made using partial whole clusters; a winemaking technique where entire grape clusters, including the stems, are used during the fermentation process. This can add complexity to the wine by introducing tannins, spice, and herbal notes from the stems and a more gentle extraction of the grape juice compared to destemmed grapes. After fermentation the wine was aged 20 months in 50% new American Oak then bottled in 2020 and allowed extra time to age in the bottle. Only 48 cases were produced. If Syrah is one of your favorite Bottle Jack varieties then you will love this wine. Our tasting notes include intense and layered aromatics and flavors beginning with pepper, herbs and redwood duff leading to wild black berries, cherry, black plum, mint, toasted coconut, and white pepper. The use of partial whole cluster fermentation is apparent in the wine's slightly spicy and earthy character, adding complexity to the fruit-driven flavors.
This Syrah will pair well with grilled, roasted or braised meat like lamb chops, beef tenderloin, osso buco and beef bourguignon. For the more adventurous try it with wild game like boar in a mushroom sauce with creamy polenta or venison in a cherry and red wine glaze. Roasted and grilled root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes, pasta with mushroom sauces and mushroom dishes are great veggie options.