The 2002 Thompson Vineyard Syrah, shows its traditionally powerful forward fruit flavors and even tannins. Its aroma is an intense mixture of cherries and dark berries with hints of sweet tar. Menthol aromas are beginning to emerge. It has a classic Thompson Vineyard candy quality that clings to your glass and sticks to your lips. The finish is long and smooth. It was made using four new French and four new American, and four older barrels. (294 cases produced)
• This wine is 100% Syrah from the rolling hills of Thompson Vineyard in Los Alamos.
• The Thompson Syrah was harvested October 22, 2002 at 24.2 brix, 3.5 pH.
• The fruit was stemmed but not crushed. Intact, whole berries were placed in small bin boxes for 14 days of fermentation after a two-day cold soak.
• Inoculated with RC 212, D254, and Barolo yeasts.
• This wine represents twelve choice barrels selected out of a total lot of twenty.
• Went through ML fermentation, completing in January
• Racked in April, and again before bottling.
• Unfined, but lightly filtered.
• Hard-candy-fruit flavors. Big and dark. Cedar-spice-mint notes.
• Elegant with fine tannins and hints of cinnamon. A smooth, full finish. Sticks to your lips.
• Bottled March 24, 2003.
Food Pairing: This is a highly flavored wine which works well with similarly flavorful food. Try dark sauces, even some with dark fruit. Makes a great reduction sauce. Try spiced or BBQ pork, lamb, or beef. Slow roasted short-ribs in syrah reduction cannot be beat. Seared, spiced Ahi is a favorite, as is smoked salmon.