Tag Archives: Syrah

City Winery Hudson Square Syrah 2008

Posted on by admin

Variety: Syrah
Vintage: 2008
Vineyard: Blend of two vineyards.
Alcohol: 14.1% vol
Volume: 750ml
AVA: North Coast, CA
Cases production: 105 cs bottled

Vineyard description: 46% Alder Springs Vineyard (Mendocino), 54% Syrah from Madder Lakes Vineyard.

Winemaking Info: Both Syrahs have been fermented in open top tanks with daily punch down and some pumping when needed, partial press blended back into free-run juice. Full malolactic fermentation. Gravity pumped into a combination of 1/3 new Seguin Moreaux, 1/3 used taransaud and 1/3 used D&G.

Wine Description: Notes of ripe red fruits with spices (black pepper, etc), nuance of eucalyptus and blond tobacco fill the palate with an oak flavor through the finish. A very elegant and savory wine.

Aging Capacity: 2-4 years.

Food Pairing: Needs to be matched with food– such as lamb chops, grilled vegetables.

Buy the City Winery Hudson Square Syrah 2008 here.

Alder Springs Vineyards

Posted on by admin

City Winery has established relationships with a number of premium vineyards for the 2011 harvest. Here’s a look at one of our partners, Alder Springs Vineyards.

VARIETY: Syrah
LOCATION/REGION: Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County
CLONE: Divers clones over 3309 and 420a
TERROIR: Red Volcanic soil / gravel soils
OTHER INFO: VSP and Scott Henry Trellising
PRICE: $3,126 per barrel

DESCRIPTION: Owned by Stuart Bewley, the vineyard ranges up the eastern flank of the coastal range in Mendocino County. Stuart has pushed the limits of elevation and farming in the region, with most of his vineyards planted in truly tricky situations. This vineyard rambles up the mountain coastward, amongst outcroppings of rock and virgin redwood with varied soils. The blocks are tailored to the specific soil variations and aspects. Alder Springs is a very special vineyard.

WINE STYLE: Dense ruby/purple-color, full-bodied, sweet-textured and hedonistic, with notes of mocha, blueberries, blackberries, cherry liqueur, chocolate, and espresso.

Alder Springs Vineyards is City Winery’s sole supplier of Roussanne grapes for the 2011 harvest. Here are the key details for that variety:

VARIETY: Roussanne
LOCATION/REGION: Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County
CLONE: Clone 468
TERROIR: Red Volcanic soil / gravel soils
PRICE: $2,739 per barrel

DESCRIPTION: Owned by Stuart Bewley, the vineyard ranges up the eastern flank of the coastal range in Mendocino County. Stuart has pushed the limits of elevation and farming in the region, with most of his vineyards planted in truly tricky situations. This vineyard rambles up the mountain coastward, amongst outcroppings of rock and virgin redwood with varied soils. The blocks are tailored to the specific soil variations and aspects. Alder Springs is a very special vineyard.

WINE STYLE: Roussanne’s complex aromatics, lively acidity and depth show why it’s the white wine for red wine lovers.

City Winery also sources Cabernet Franc grapes from Alder Springs. Here are some key stats on that variety:

VARIETY: Cabernet Franc
LOCATION/REGION: Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County
CLONE: Clone 214 & 327
TERROIR: Red Volcanic soil / gravel soils
PRICE: $2,909 per barrel

DESCRIPTION: Owned by Stuart Bewley, the vineyard ranges up the eastern flank of the coastal range in Mendocino County. Stuart has pushed the limits of elevation and farming in the region, with most of his vineyards planted in truly tricky situations. This vineyard rambles up the mountain coastward, amongst outcroppings of rock and virgin redwood with varied soils. The blocks are tailored to the specific soil variations and aspects. Alder Springs is a very special vineyard.

WINE STYLE: This Cab Franc is incredibly rich, perfectly ripened and aimed to please those fans of this great grape. The fruit is dark, blackberries, cherries and blueberries and the tannins firm but very easy to love.

Thompson Vineyard

Posted on by admin

City Winery has establishing relationships with a number of premium vineyards for the 2011 harvest. Here’s a look at one of our partners, Thompson Vineyard.

VARIETY: Syrah
LOCATION/REGION: Santa Barbara, Central Coast, CA
CLONE: Estrella River clone on own root
TERROIR: Tierra sandy loam, 2-9% slope, south facing.
OTHER INFO: Double cordon on VSP
PRICE: $2,450 per barrel

DESCRIPTION: The steep hillsides and south facing exposure of the Thompson Vineyard ensures complete ripeness. Low tonnage and a cool climate produces amazing concentration, robust dark crimson color and equally rich, yet elegant flavors from these classic Estrella Clone Syrah grapes.

WINE STYLE: Notes of licorice, ground pepper, incense, Chinese black tea, roasted meats, and copious quantities of blackberry and cassis fruit. Admirable stuffing, full-bodied power, and dazzling delineation make for an impressive Syrah that should drink well for at least 7-10 years.