World renowned. Washington grown.
2001 Grand Estates Syrah
Tasting Notes
“This Rhone-style wine features fresh rose, ripe strawberry and white pepper aromas. A terrific balance between fruit and cocoa flavors delivers a soft, well-integrated wine with a lush, lingering finish.” - Doug Gore, Winemaker
Vintage
- Bud break occurred in mid-April, approximately one week later than a typical year.
- The vines thrived during excellent growing conditions in May and early June, and bloom occurred on time (mid-June).
- Above normal temperatures in July and August advanced ripening, and ideal temperatures in September and October (70s to 80s during the day; 40s to 50s during the night) allowed for excellent hang time and flavor maturity.
Vineyards
- The Grand Estates Syrah is harvested predominantly from vineyards located on the Horse Heaven Hills (balance and complexity), Wahluke Slope (texture and body), and Yakima Valley (aromatics).
- Columbia Valley vineyards are seated east of the Cascade Mountain range. Up to 14,000 feet high, the mountains effectively block eastwardmoving wet weather systems from the Pacific Ocean.
- Just 6 to 8 inches of rainfall reach the growing region annually. Vineyards are 100% drip irrigation.
- The soils have low fertility and low water-holding capacity, allowing precise control of vine growth patterns.
- Vines are planted north to south on south and southeast facing slopes.
Winemaking
- Syrah vineyards yielding three to four tons per acre were harvested and crushed separately.
- The must fermented on the skins for up to six days with several yeast strains used to enhance aromatics and maximize blending options. Malolactic fermentation followed.
- Twice daily pumpovers gently extracted optimum color, aromas and flavors.
- The wine aged for 11 months in French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels. Barrel-to-barrel racking occurred every four months. Grenache was blended in to create a fruitier, Rhone-like wine style.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.60 g/100ml
- pH: 3.70
- Alcohol: 13.99%
- Blend: 84% Syrah, 16% Grenache
Food Pairings
Leg of lamb, beef stew