Syrah 2021

6 bottles maximum per person.

 

ALC = 14.0%

PH = 3.72

TA = 5.9 g/l

RS = 0.9 g/l

Blend - 100% Syrah (Bypass Road Vineyard, Keremeos)

Production - 140 x 6 bottle cases

Winemaking:

Hand harvested in the final days of October before being de-stemmed and left whole berry to cold soak in 1 ton open top fermenters. After 5 days, 50% of the lignified Syrah stems were added back into the ferments and, shortly afterwards, an indigenous fermentation began. Hand punch downs were used to gently extract tannins and to keep the fermentation cap healthy while the temperatures of the fermentation were kept quite warm at 26-30C. After 20 days the free run wine was drained off, the grape skins were gently pressed and the wine was transferred into 100% French oak barrels (1/3 new, 1/3 second fill, 1/3 neutral) to mature on the gross lees. The wine slumbered quietly over the winter months with ML conversion completing naturally in the early spring of 2022. After a further 20 months, the wine was racked and bottled, unfined and unfiltered, with a minimal SO2 addition in July of 2023.

Tasting notes: 

The wine is very much in a youthful stage with dark purple, with deep ruby hues. An intriguing nose of violets, brambly berries, cassis, and a dusting of anise. Dense on the palate but lofted with bright acidity. Classic Similkameen Syrah with flavours of wild blue fruits and pepper-crusted deli meats that cross paths with a tightly wound palate of stony minerality and textural
tannins. Rich meat dishes, such as braised lamb shoulder, would be a natural pairing especially if accompanied with roasted Fall vegetables.
Expect some sediment to occur in the bottle. Pour gently or decant prior to drinking. Enjoy now and through the next 10 years.