2017 Atoosa's Vineyard - 47 bottles found in cellar

ARTIST: Robert Stewart bottle

Tasting Notes

Atoosa’s always makes us wait until all the other vineyards have been harvested before it is ready and willing to provide us with properly mature fruit. The combination of a cool microclimate and the naturally late ripening character of Syrah itself see to that. Some years it doesn’t show up until after Halloween!

All this delayed gratification is worth it, however, and once harvested we go rather old school in terms of process. The tiny berries are actually foot tread, some still on the stems and then raised completely in neutral oak. Combined with an extended period on the skins and stems post-fermentation, we’re able to maintain a supple texture with gentle handling throughout.

Atoosa’s graces us with plenty of natural power and while Kalen’s may be the deepest purple, this wine is the bluest black in color. Generous layers of blackberry, blueberry, pepper, bay leaf and forest floor. So wonderfully savory and chewy, the magnificent structure along with loads of flavor practically beg for a proper decant and a great piece of red meat, mushrooms or cheese to have alongside for the full experience.

We chose just under 3 barrels for our final vineyard designate this vintage. Don’t miss it!

DRINKING WINDOWS

Prime drinking: 2021 through 2029
Graceful ageability: 2030+

VINEYARDS

Atoosa's

CLONES

50% 174 / 50% 877

STATS

pH: 3.85  |  TA: 6 g/L  |  Alcohol: 14.1%
Bottling: May 24, 2019  |  Pre-Release: Fall 2019
Cases Produced: 68