2009 Release Letter

JUDGE VINEYARDS, 2008
Syrah, Bennett Valley
120 cases produced

SHANE'S NOTES
You experience an immediate attack of kirsch, blackberries, blueberries, lavender, and crème de cassis. This is an effusive wine. The initial fruit flavors are surrounded by cocoa, creosote, anise, nicoise olives, and baking spices. The whole-cluster barely makes a dent in the aromatics. It unfurls into a muscular and brawny wine. Structure abounds and verve emanates. The wine saturates the mid-palate and releases graphite, dried herb, and savory aspects. Enjoy from release to 2018.

JEMROSE VINEYARD, 2008
Syrah, Bennett Valley
70 cases produced

SHANE'S NOTES
A mélange of fruit and spice flows from the glass. Heady white pepper mingles with boysenberry, plum, blueberries, and dark chocolate. Accents of tobacco leaf, violets, and bacon fat mesh with cassis, mint, and green peppercorns. The wine imbues the site. There is freshness and brightness in the glass. This is a California Syrah with a Northern Rhône bent. Asian spices, chewy tannins, and subtle brown sugar hints finish the wine. Enjoy from 2011 to 2020.