2014 Eisele Vineyard Syrah Napa Valley

The winemaker notes: “The 2014 Syrah is a very pure expression of the varietal. The nose opens on Burlat cherry notes with a hint of peach flowers, prolonged by intense blackberry, violet, clove, cinnamon and cappuccino aromas. The mouthfeel is suave with a delicious core sweetness. The 2014 vintage is balanced and savory, with undertones of rosemary and red fruit coulis. The wine is beautifully expressive, supported by a gentler use of new oak barrels during the elevage.”

While winter rainfall in Napa Valley was half the normal amount, heavy rains in March deeply soaked the Eisele Vineyard soils immediately before emergence of the first shoots, stimulating humification and healthy vine growth. Warm weather without frosts led to one of the earliest bud breaks on record. Bloom was 5 days earlier than in 2013 and fast, homogenous flowering ensured excellent fruit set. Mild July weather allowed slow ripening of the grapes, which progressed more rapidly during August and September heat to maturity. Syrah harvest started on September 4th and ended September 8th. Following gentle extraction, wines were aged in 40% new barrels with a lighter toast in order of preserve the purity of the fruit.
The Eisele Vineyard grapes are certified ‘Organic’ by California Certified Organic Farmers and ‘Biodynamic’ by Demeter