100% Syrah
The Wine: The VIADER Syrah is a clonal blend of Australian Shiraz (Barossa) and Rhône Valley (Hermitage) clones grown on our Howell Mountain estate. Fermentation occurs in small French oak casks 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 VIADER Syrah is aged in French oak barrels for 15 months.
Released: Spring 2005
Harvest: September 28 to October 7
Growing Notes: Our Syrah vines hang 1,300ft above the Napa Valley floor on Howell Mountain. The long and mild growing season of 2002 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. This mild season enabled a long “hang time” for the grapes to achieve full physiological maturity. Yields were kept small for both clones (French and Australian).
Production: 1152
Winemaking Notes: The vines were planted in 1997 with a combination of certified Barossa (Australian Shiraz) and Hermitage (Rhône Valley) clones. The 2002 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. 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 20 months in a combination of 100% new French Oak barrels and 600L puncheons to balance the oak component.
Tasting Notes: Our 2002 Syrah showcases true mountain fruit, expressing our volcanic terroir character. It has deep purple-black colour, intense flavours of red berries, hints of coffee, spice and a dash of white pepper in the finish, backed by richly structured and enticing tannins. Enjoy this wine with a variety of foods (game, pastas, fish and stews). With this wine, your culinary imagination is the limit.
