When it was planted in the 1980s, Split Rail Vineyard was one large parcel, and the vineyards consisted of 2.5 acres of Pinot Noir, 2.5 acres of Chardonnay and 1 acre of Syrah at the very top of the hill. Now a separate parcel, still owned by the original owner, we manage the viticulture ourselves for the Syrah block with the help of viticulturist Ken Swegels of Rhizos Viticulture. The Syrah block is dry farmed organically, with minimal inputs into the soil. It's a cool location for Syrah at 1700' elevation only 4-5 miles from the ocean, and doesn't always ripen... but when it does, the results are spectacularly reminiscent of Cornas-- bright acid, longterm aging potential, and incredible structure.
I recommend aging this Syrah for a minimum of 3 years if you can handle it. You will be rewarded for your patience. But the wine is drinking well now, for those of you who are impatient. Best to get 2 bottles: one to drink now and one to cellar.
- 1700’ elevation in Corralitos, dry-farmed, 40 years old. Gray sandstone & clay soils with marble deep down.
- Hand harvested at 23.0º brix on 10/5/21. 90% destemmed.
- Aged 18 months sur lie in French oak. 6 barrels.
- Structured, cool-climate persona. Baking spice, truffles and blackberry. Cellar this wine at least 3 years before opening.
- pH: 3.45, alcohol 13.5%
- Yeasts: Native, Rhone 4600, EF Syrah.
- Coopers: TN Coopers convection toasted French Oak, 30% new.
- Viticulture: Ken Swegels.