Vineyard Summary Ambassador's Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley (estate) 20 acres planted in 1990 Deep mesa soils with superior drainage Balanced sun exposure for even ripening Chapoutier (Estrella River) clone Harvest Date October 28 Barrel Aging 16 months French oak (50% new) Varietal Composition Syrah 100% Final Analysis Alcohol by Volume 16% TA .69 pH 3.75 Total Production 1,250 cases

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TASTING NOTES

Our 2003 Syrah from Ambassador’s Vineyard offers vivid aromas of black fruits and violets with hints of licorice and oak toast. Bright, lifted flavors of blueberry and blackberry reveal accents of vanilla, coffee and white pepper. The texture is dense and chewy, finishing with harmonious tannins and long, supple fruit.

Winemaker Chuck Carlson

AMBASSADOR'S VINEYARD

Our estate Ambassador's Vineyard was planted in 1990 as the cornerstone of our Syrah program. Here, Winemaker Chuck Carlson chose to plant the Chapoutier (a.k.a. Estrella River) clone, which offers rich black fruit and spice flavors for a classic Santa Barbara County Syrah profile. The vineyard is situated atop a broad, flat mesa with balanced sun exposure for even ripening. The ancient gravelly loam soil is deep and well-drained for excellent flavor concentration. The personality of Ambassador's Vineyard is particularly evident in the wine's distinctive accents of blueberry and white pepper.

WINEMAKING

The grapes were hand picked on October 28 after a banner growing season, with steady temperatures that yielded excellent physiological ripeness. The must was cold soaked for five days prior to fermentation to capture the fruit's pure character and color. Fermentation was initiated with D254 yeast, a Rhône Valley strain that enhances mouthfeel and mid-palate richness. The pomace was pressed in a traditional wooden basket press to ensure gentle extraction while avoiding bitter seed or skin tannins. The wine was aged for 16 months is French oak barrels.

APPELLATION

Santa Barbara County's Santa Ynez Valley ranks among the world's premier appellations for Syrah. Here, the varietal excels amid a balance of warm inland sunshine and cool marine breezes, resulting in long, steady ripening with fully defined flavors and excellent structure.