2015 Syrah

This vintage posed severe hydraulic challenges as our neophytes’ luck began to wane. (Over the next two years we dramatically overhauled our irrigation regimen.) That most northern California vineyards in 2015 also saw abnormally small yields brought little consolation as we harvested our lowest tonnage since inception. The wine itself, however, proves highly enjoyable, even if a bit of a stylistic outlier for Star Crest. In weight and mouthfeel it seems akin to top tier Carneros Pinot Noir, with a super rich palate offering dry raspberry and red beets plus touches of cinnamon and eucalyptus at the finish. The full-on nose is a blast of red cherry and raspberry with an undercurrent of piquant burnt nut. It might not be the “brooding” Syrah we believe is in our future, but it’s nonetheless irresistible on its own terms.

Cases produced: 47
Harvest date: August 31, 2015
Bottled: December 20, 2017
Blend: 82% Syrah, 9% Grenache, 6% Mourvedre, 3% Viognier