100% Syrah

The Wine: The Syrah vines were planted in 1997, 1300 ft. above the Napa Valley floor on Howell Mountain. A combination of certified Barossa (Australian Shiraz) and Hermitage (Rhône Valley) clones were selected and planted on the northern most section of the VIADER property. The terrain was so steep and rocky that we needed the help of dynamite and jackhammers to breakup and fracture the rocky hillside. The 2004 Viader Syrah shows the spice and red fruits of the Australian clone and the aromatic nuances of the Rhône Valley clone. Our hillside brings them together in an elegant and powerful dance

Released: Fall 2006

Harvest:

Growing Notes: The 2004 growing season started with an early bud break followed by heat spikes in June and at scattered intervals throughout the summer season. Grapes completed veraison early allowing for even maturity and well developed sugars. Steady warm temperatures towards the end of the season made for one of the earliest harvests in history. Grape quality was very good with a crop that was smaller than average. The 2004 growing season balanced the unique characteristics of our terroir. Warm summer days built up intensity and complexity in the grapes, while the cool nights ensured good acidity levels.

Production: 400

Winemaking Notes: Fermentation occurs in small French oak barrels which captures the spice and fruit concentration typically found in the Australian Shiraz, while maintaining the sleek and fragrant nuances more typical of the Northern Rhône Valley Syrahs. The highest quality lots are specifically selected, through tasting, to undergo extended maceration for heightened flavor extraction. Malolactic fermentation occurs in barrel. All wines are racked every 12 to 16 weeks eliminating the need for fining or filtration. This wine spent 15 months in a combination of 100% new French Oak barrels and 600L puncheons to balance the oak component.