Planted to a late-ripening variety and in a cool stretch of the Russian River, Atoosa’s Vineyard makes us wait a little extra before gifting us it’s mighty Syrah fruit at proper maturity. It’s always worth it though – that prolonged hangtime results in dramatically colored, beautifully structured and impressively deep juice.
As with the burly Sonoma Mountain Syrah we get for Kalen’s Big Boy Blend, we employ a tried and true technique to help tame the beast: leave the wine on the skins for an extended period (almost a month during and after fermentation) which softens the otherwise tannic profile. This year we also used more whole-cluster fermentation (71%) and less new oak (around 14%) to produce a kinder, gentler (yet no less complex or age-worthy) Atoosa’s that should drink well earlier than previous vintages.
Already showing an exotic profile of savory spices, earth and smoky goodness, the fruit is shining through as well at this youthful stage in its life. While definitely a “knife and fork” style of Syrah that will benefit from time in the cellar, the 2016 presents itself as a complete package and you shouldn’t be afraid to pop the cork in the near(ish) future. If you haven’t tried this vineyard yet, please give this vintage serious consideration – we’re absolutely nuts for it. And if you’re already well-acquainted with Atoosa’s, this one is a no-brainer.
DRINKING WINDOWS
Prime drinking: late 2018 — 2022 Graceful ageability: 2023 — 2024
VINEYARDS
100% Atoosa's Vineyard
CLONES
80% 470, 20% 877
STATS
pH: 3.7 | TA: 6.4 g/L | Alcohol: 14.5% Bottling: March 3, 2018 | Pre-Release: Fall 2018 Cases Produced: 160
Direct sales are allocated exclusively to EK Allocation List members at a 10% discount. Orders of 6+ bottles save an additional 50% off shipping. New releases ship twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Join EK Allocation List
CUSTOMIZED ALLOCATIONS
You may customize your spring and fall allocations any way you like, from 0–12 bottles of each wine. (Small-lot and list-only wines will have lower limits.) To modify your allocations, click on MY ALLOCATION above. Join EK Allocation List
REORDERS
Wines often sell out at or close to release, so we encourage making the most of your spring and fall allocations. As long as wine remains, you are welcome to reorder online through our EK Special Order store. Or contact John Gillis at john@erickentwines.com or 415.244.9453.
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