Harvested: Oct 12-17, 2005 Pressed: Nov 9, 2006 Blend: 80% McDowell & 20% Perli Maceration: 23-28 days Barrel aging: 20 mos. in 1-3 yr FO barrels Bottled: Unfiltered on July 22, 2008 Production: 245 cases Release date: Fall 2008
In 2006 our Vieilles Vignes is a blend of two Mendocino vineyards: McDowell Valley Vineyard and the Perli Vineyard. At McDowell, we have 2 blocks of Syrah, both from the old Gibson Ranch originally planted in 1894. The oldest vines are planted on their own roots and date back to at least 1919. The
field blend includes Durif, Carignane, Pelourcin and Aubun in addition to the Syrah. Our other block was propagated from the original plantings in 1948 and budded onto St. George rootstock. As far as we know, these are the oldest Syrah vines in production in California. Further west is the Perli Vineyard, perched atop a hill in the non-contiguous Mendocino Ridge appellation. The vineyard is owned and farmed by Steve Alden who is an incredibly passionate winegrower and loves to experiment which means we became fast friends In 2006 we have fruit from a block called Potato Patch that includes Syrah clones 174 and 877. The vineyards were vinified and aged separately until our final blend was created.
The color is deep blue-violet. The wine possesses an expressive nose of pencil lead, anise, underbrush and leather accenting black and blue berry fruit. The palate on this pure and impressively concentrated Syrah offers impressive muscle and depth with lively acidity and long and silky tannins that coat the mouth for a lush finish.
