2008 Stark Conde Three Pines Syrah

Winemaker's Notes
"A rich concentrated syrah, but without being jammy or over-the-top. At the time of release, still quite shy, but showing the almost claret-like elegance typical from this vineyard and the intense lushness and concentration coupled with soft tannins that are the hallmarks of this vintage. From its early days in the barrel, I felt this was the most successful syrah that I have made."

Technical Notes
"This is a single-vineyard wine from our highest elevation syrah vineyard, a small block contiguous to our single-vineyard Cabernet. The grapes for this wine were hand-harvested in late-February. After being cooled overnight to 12 degrees C., they were carefully hand-sorted and crushed into small open fermentation vats and allowed to cold-soak for several days. A small portion was left whole bunch and also uncrushed. About 50% of the blend was natural fermentation and the balance was split between a domestic yeast and an imported Rh�ne yeast. Regular, vigorous punchdowns were given every 4 hours for the first half of fermentation, then every 6-8 hours thereafter. At dryness (average 7-8 days), the wine was basket pressed and racked directly to barrel for malo-lactic fermentation and subsequent barrel maturation. A mix of coopers was used, all French oak, all 300 litre, mostly second-fill (about 30% new). The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered after 22 months barrel maturation."