Vineyard Summary Crossroads Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley (estate) 6 acres planted in 1997 Alluvial sandy loam with limestone Sheltered site with steady maturation Syrah Noir clone Harvest Date October 28 Barrel Aging 16 months French oak (50% new) Varietal Composition Syrah 100% Final Analysis Alcohol by Volume 15.5% TA .76 PH 3.61 Total Production 597 cases

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TASTING NOTES

Our 2003 Syrah from Crossroads Vineyard begins with aromas of black fruits and pine forest. A luscious palate unfolds with deep flavors of plum, black cherry and boysenberry, followed by exotic accents of sandalwood, clove and black olive. The texture is round and seamless, with a smooth, silky finish.

Winemaker Chuck Carlson

CROSSROADS VINEYARD

Winemaker Chuck Carlson planted our estate Crossroads Vineyard in 1997 as a complement to our Ambassador's Vineyard. Crossroads Vineyard is tucked into a sheltered oak-studded nook across from our winery, where afternoon warmth is trapped for full, steady ripening. The soil is composed of alluvial sandy loam and limestone. The Syrah Noir clone and a vigor-limiting rootstock were chosen to match the unique characteristics of the site. The result is a wine that is consistently intense and exotic, with a rich, silky texture.

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 in 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.