Dovecote’s Syrah is made to highlight the unique own-rooted Estrella River Syrah that was originally “borrowed” from the famed Chapoutier vineyard in Hermitage, France. Above all, it is what Thompson Vineyard has become renowned for over nearly 30 years. Dark, rich, and multidimensional, the 2018 Dovecote Syrah delivers its power with a graceful touch.
VINEYARD NOTES
Meticulously farmed from just a few of the sandiest, windblown, and nutrient-depleted northwesternmost rows of the cool climate Thompson Vineyard. Clusters and berries are tiny, with massive skin-to-pulp ratios providing intense structure and density.
WINEMAKING NOTES
Cold hand-harvested grapes were brought into the winery early in the morning. All clusters and berries were then meticulously sorted and de-stemmed. Grapes were cold soaked for four days before allowing fermentation to begin in small open top bins. Wine was aged in 25% new French oak barrels for 18 months and bottled unfiltered. Finally, the wine was allowed an additional full year of bottle conditioning before release and will benefit from additional cellar time before consumption.
- Vintage
- 2018
- Varietal
- Own-rooted Estrella River Syrah
- Blend
- 100% Syrah
- Vineyard
- Thompson Vineyard
- Vine Age
- 28 years
- Clone
- Estrella River
- Rootstock
- Own
- Soil
- Sandy Loam
- Appellation
- Alisos Canyon, Los Alamos Valley, Santa Barbara County
- Climate
- Cool I/II
- Brix
- 24.8
- pH
- 3.57
- ABV
- 14.7%
- Cases
- 85
- Tons Per Acre
- 2
- Peak Years
- 2024-2035