A full bodied red with fresh blueberry flavors and a hint of vanilla and spice on the finish. The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure to the wine and helps smooth out the aggressive tannins of the Syrah.

Blend: 85% Dunnigan Hills Syrah, 6% Russian River Valley Syrah, 9% Russian River Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Production: 5,500 cases

2007 was ideal for us in Dunnigan Hills. The late rains hit after flowering and fruit set and before veraison causing no damage. Warm weather followed allowing us to harvest in late August through early September.

After a one-day cold soak, the tank was bled to concentrate flavors. We pressed off at 3 degrees Brix after an eight-day fermentation to allow brighter, cleaner fruit expression and avoid heavy tannins. After two aerative rackings the wine went down to barrel in October and blended in May the following year. 20% of the barrels were new French oak coopered in Spain; the remaining barrels were older adding richness to the mouthfeel without masking the fruit flavors of the wine.