Blacksmith Cellars
2004 Alexander Valley
Syrah

Composition: 93% Syrah; 7% Tannat
Harvest: September 2004; Sugar: 26.5 Brix; Total Acid: 0.63; PH: 3.94
Fermentation: 16-day small batch fermentation; Punched down four times daily
Alcohol: 14.5% by Vol
Aging: 80% French Oak; 20% American Oak; 50% new oak; 50% 2-year old white wine barrels
Bottling Date: March 2006
Release Date: May 15, 2006
Production: 252 Cases (750 ml)

Vineyard: The fruit for Blacksmith Cellars’ Alexander Valley Syrah comes from the Skipstone Ranch Vineyard. This small secluded patch of hillside produces low crops with small berries for great varietal intensity. This small 1 acre block was planted to clone 470 and was developed by John Caldwell.

Cellar Practices and Winemaking: Fermented in 1-ton bins and gently punched down by hand to ensure high-quality tannins. Aged in a combination of new and used barrels with the goal of highlighting the varietal character of Syrah. A 7% addition of Tannat adds a host of exotic spices to the nose and richens the overall mouthfeel.