Vineyard
Lester Family Vineyard is situated at 500’ elevation in Corralitos’ Pleasant Valley, just 4 miles from the ocean. The fog-influenced climate of the valley lends itself to wines that showcase a richer, rounder fruit profile and a sought-after earthiness while retaining vibrant acidity that supports wines through longer aging.
Winemaker Notes
The Syrah at Lester Family Vineyard is grown very close to the ocean, where it is bathed in wispy summer fog in the mornings. As such, it's always the last fruit that enters the winery, typically at the end of October or early November. It sees full phenolic ripeness at low sugar, and holds great acidity. This Unicorn combination in a California Syrah gives the wine a unique, old world feel. The 2019 is perhaps the representation of this Syrah that I am most proud of. There is a meaty, iron-laden base to this one that's reminiscent of seared lamb, but it doesn't overwhelm the almost viscous blue fruit and dried herbs that add layering. I tasted the bottled wine for the first time 18 months after bottling, and it was fantastic with herb roasted chicken. Would make a perfect Thanksgiving wine with a well-brined Turkey.
Geek Stuff
- Hand harvested the day before Halloween, 2019 at 23.5 degrees brix.
- Aged 18 months sur lie in French oak barrels, 20% new.
- Coopers were convection toasted TN Coopers and Medium-long toast Leroi Harmonie.
- pH is 3.60, alcohol is 13.2%.
- Yeast was native and EF SYRAH.
- 90% destemmed.
- Only 100 cases produced.
- Viticulture by Prudy Foxx.
Past Accolades
94 points/Wine Enthusiast.
This vintage has not yet been submitted for review.