This wine shows aromas of cherry and plum with nuances of black pepper and meaty overtones which are supported by very forward fruit in the mouth with a supple tannic structure.

Benziger Syrah shows complex aromas of black fruit, smoky tar and dried herb leading to a soft mouthfeel with flavors of black cherry, herb and sweet earth. Very forward fruit in the mouth with good tannic structure, the wine ends on a long finish noted by ripe fruit, cherry and plum with nuances of black pepper and meaty overtones.

Wine maker notes

Lots from the separate vineyards are crushed and individually cold-soaked at 55°F for approximately two days prior to fermentation to extract color and intensity while controlling tannins. Fermentation takes place primarily in open-top fermenters, with a small percentage in closed-top fermenters, depending on the vintage, for 9 to 12 days with daily punching down and pumpovers at temperatures up to 85°F. The lots are aged in French and American oak barrels for approximately 16 months. Blending takes place in the second spring or summer following the vintage.

Technical notes

GRAPE VARIETY: +/-100% Syrah ALCOHOL: 14.2%-14.7% TOTAL ACIDITY: .60-.65 pH: 3.55-3.65 RESIDUAL SUGAR: .04-.06

Producer

At Benziger, we’re about three things: family, great wine and healthy vineyards. For more than thirty years we’ve searched Sonoma County for the most distinctive and expressive vineyard sites. Once found, we tended our Sonoma winery using certified Biodynamic, organic and sustainable farming methods. The result is a portfolio of authentic and memorable wines.