Sunset Cellars

2003 Petite Syrah - Dry Creek Valley - Two Bottles

APPELLATION: Dry Creek Valley

VINEYARD: J. Teldeschi Ranch - the grapes came from an old, established vineyard on the east side of Dry Creek Valley, next to a block of Zinfandel tht dates to 1912.   The age of the Petite Sirah is les ceretain, but the gnarled, head-pruned vines, all dray farmed, look to be from a similar era.

VINTAGE: Yields were moderate, and the fruit concentration benefited from a longer hang time than the previus year.  The small berries had ripe, balanced flavor that accentuated the intense blackberry notes characteristic of this vineyard, and the deep color characteristic of Petit Sirah.

COMPOSITION: Petite Sirah 100%

VINIFICATION: Grapes were hand sorted and fermented in half-ton containers for eleven days.  Underwent malolactic fermentation.

TASTING NOTES: Old vines, Dry Creek's soil and climate, and generations of vineyard experience are reflected in this dark, full-bodied wine that is still remarkabley supple and elegant.  It offers lush, concentrated blackberry and red stone fruit flavors with briary spice overtones and hints of vanilla and chocolate on the nose, with a long, sustained and moderately tannic finish.

Alcohol:  14.3%

Brix at harvest: 25.5

Harvest Date: 10/14/03

Bottling: August 28th, 2006

Production: 76 cases 

Pictures are of Douglas Sparks, Owner and Co-Winemaker, pouring wine at the Tasting Room.  The Sunset Label, but not of the Petite Syrah which is in early release.