From the producer: West Block is located in a cool, wind-blown area of Petaluma in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Planted in the early-90's to the Joseph Phelps clone of Syrah, this vineyard block is oriented east-west allowing even ripening during the long, extended growing season. West Block Syrah undergoes an extended cold soak until native yeast begin a spontaneous fermentation in open-top fermenters, where the grapes are punched down by hand once to twice per day. Our small lot fermentations, with 50% whole cluster, take upwards of a month before a light pressing to barrel for their extended aging.
Boisterous violets, Damson plum and fresh blackberries shine through the beautiful earthy and crushed stone components of this wine. Notes of fresh Bay leaf and graphite create depth to further accentuates the aromas of fennel seeds and dried herbs. Fine tannins and a plush mid-palate create an alluring wine that is youthful upon release and will age gracefully for the next 8-10 years.
