2006 Ciel du Cheval Syrah

Case Production

132 Cases bottled on July 1, 2008

Blend

100% Syrah from Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain

Analysis

• pH – 3.64
• Total Acidity – 0.63
• Alcohol – 15.13

Cooperage

About 40% new French and Hungarian oak barrels with the remaining 60% in older French for 21 months.

Winemaking

Crushed gently and dropped by gravity into 1.5 ton bins, cold soaked 48 hours, then inoculated with a variety of yeasts, hand-punched and pressed directly to barrel.  Some wine was pressed so primary fermentation was finished in the barrel while some was allowed to finish primary in the 1.5 ton bins and then pressed so that both wine finished secondary fermentation in the barrel.

Vintage

A wonderful year of timely rains during the growing season and dry ripening conditions allowing for the complete command of the vineyard by the viticulturist and winemaker.  2006 wines show great fruit character, balance and length.

Vineyard

Ciel du Cheval was the first vineyard planted on Red Mountain and is expertly managed by owner Jim Holmes and Vineyard Manager Ryan Johnson.  This wine blends Syrah Clone 174 and Syrah Clone Tablas from Ciel du Cheval.

Tasting Notes

Jammy scents of blueberry, blackberry and huckleberry waft from the glass.  A fleshy core of black cherry and dark currant with warm mocha, a hint of black pepper and earthy tannins round out this powerhouse.