World renowned. Washington grown.
2002 Reserve Syrah
Tasting Notes
“Created in a Cote Rotie-style, this Syrah presents explosive Viognier aromatics of sweet orange peel, pear and rosebud and pronounced Syrah notes of white pepper, cocoa and raspberries. Slightly spicy, meaty-earthy overtones, indicative of the Horse Heaven Hills terroir, precede a palate of cocoa, roast coffee and dark chocolate. A raspberry-blueberry lushness lingers on the palate.” -Ray Einberger, Winemaker
Vintage
- The growing season began with cool weather that modestly delayed bud break and fruit set.
- Consistent and ideal weather conditions from mid-summer to early fall, with daytime to nighttime swings spanning as much as 40 degrees, were perfect for fruit maturation.
- Grape clusters were compact with large, fully mature berries. Fruit quality was excellent, marking the 5th consecutive quality vintage.
Vineyards
- The proposed Horse Heaven Hills appellation hosts two vineyard sites—one for Syrah and one for Viognier—that are the sole contributors to the Reserve Syrah program.
- Syrah has an affinity for the region’s warm daytime temperatures during summer months and cooler temperatures during the ripening season. Lower temperatures during ripening concentrate aromatics and enhance complexity.
- The region’s low rainfall stresses the vines and ultimately yields concentrated fruit with depth and variety expression.
Winemaking
- Grapes were destemmed and crushed with 20% whole berries remaining.
- Fermentation on the skins ranged from five days in open top fermenters to develop complexity and seven days in stainless steel fermenters to develop aromatics and finish.
- Whole berry Viognier (9%) co-fermented with the Syrah to further enhance aromatics.
- Twice daily pumpovers (stainless steel) or punch downs (open tops) extracted color, aromatics and flavors.
- The wines were blended and placed in a half new French and half new American oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation commenced.
- The wine was racked by gravity flow at three month intervals during its 20 months in barrels.
Technical Data
- Total acidity: 0.63 g/100ml
- pH: 3.49
- Alcohol: 14.4%
- Blend: 91% Syrah, 9% Viognier