This year’s blend of Syrah La Côte Rousse is nearly equal portions of our two Red Mountain Syrah vineyard sources, Ciel du Cheval and Ranch at the End of the Road. Once again the synergy between these two sites and the four clones creates a blend of power, complexity and completeness.

The mid-season heat was a factor with these Red Mountain vineyards, as the berries can easily sunburn or become “heat affected” so that they never quite ripen right. We shade the clusters with the leaf canopy, especially on the western-facing side, to avoid these problems. It worked well, yielding small berries that actually needed very little hand-sorting. The result is a wine that’s the runner-up for blackest of the Syrahs (see La Côte Patriarche below!), with super density, yet an approachability that’s uncommon for this blend. Very sweet in the nose, with big black cherries, smoke, floral spice and an earthy/truffle note. This is Red Mountain at its best, with dimension yet elegance, packed black fruits, yet a creamy, plush impression.

Blending Detail and Aging Profile

Blending Detail:

• 100% Syrah

Barrel Program:

• 12 months 100% French Oak barrels
• 50% new oak
• 50% one fill (one year neutralized oak)

Aging Profile:

• Serve cool, 60-62°F
• Best from 2014 through 2020

AVA & Vineyard Detail:

​100% Red Mountain

• 49% Ciel du Cheval Vineyard
• 51% Kiona Vineyard 

Acclaim

From Jeb Dunnuck's Rhone Report June 2011;

"...masculine, edgy aromas of black fruits, dusty minerality, dried beef, graphite, and licorice on the nose. Serious and firm on the palate, this is a Vin de Garde for sure, with medium to full body, a concentrated, rich mid-palate, a savory, grippy texture, edgy acidity, and a chewy, long finish that’s loaded with dusty, earthy tannin. Possibly more approachable than this note would have you believe, with lots to love now, I would still advise cellaring this beauty for 3-5 years, at which point, it should drink well for two decades. Gorgeous stuff and getting up there with benchmark status. 95 Points"