2011 Cabot Vineyards Humboldt Syrah

Winemaker's Notes: 2011 was an interesting year and a bit of an anomaly for us here on the Klamath River. It started out a month later than normal and ended with cool temperatures and intermittent rains. Though the grapes were picked with unusually low sugar levels, we received a similar amount of “hang time” as usual. It was picked Oct. 26th at an average of 22 brix, yet with a 3.5 ph and .6 TA. We used 100% whole cluster to add structure and complex aromas. Aged on mostly older French oak. This wine has a classic nose of olive brine, iodine, and dark fruits. The palate is “olive and cherry infused beef blood , pumped through a rusty iron pipe”. It is classic cold climate Syrah and will surely appease the palates of Northern Rhone drinkers.