Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo County has demonstrated its ability to yield exceptional fruit yet again for 2003. Our winemaker's preference for a long hang-time (late harvest) has resulted in a fruit-forward, silky, smooth, full bodied wine. Characteristic flavors of Syrah grown in a cooler climate are white pepper and spice which is well demonstrated in this wine. As with all our wines, the fruit was hand sorted (removed of inferior fruit, stems and leaves), fermented in open top containers, hand punched-down, and gently pressed. We barrel aged the wine for 20 months in French oak. Distinctive of this years' production is white chocolate, cherry, blackberry and dark spices with a hint of plum.

Sensory Evaluation: Aromatic spices, cherry, dark fruit, white chocolate, notes of vanilla, delicate gamey flavors, silky, long finish.