Vineyard Summary Vogelzang Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley 5.7 acres planted in 1997 Loam with river cobble Syrah Noir and Chapoutier clones Harvest Date October 15 Barrel Aging 16 months French oak (50% new) Varietal Composition Syrah 100% Final Analysis Alcohol by Volume 15% TA .71 pH 3.65 Total Production 858 cases

Click here to download PDF fact sheet

Click here to download PDF sell sheet

Click here to download PDF shelftalker
Click here to view 2004 Syrah Vogelzang Vineyard

TASTING NOTES

Our 2003 Syrah from Vogelzang Vineyard offers vivid aromas of strawberry and dried cherry with a hint of cinnamon spice. Bright flavors of plum, raspberry and cranberry reveal accents of vanilla. The structure is firm and balanced, with lingering depth and richness on the finish.

Winemaker Chuck Carlson

VOGELZANG VINEYARD

Winemaker Chuck Carlson selected Vogelzang Vineyard as a distinctive complement and counterpoint to our estate Syrah bottlings from Crossroads and Ambassador's vineyards. Vogelzang Vineyard unfolds along rolling hills at the foot of Los Padres National Forest in the eastern Santa Ynez Valley. This winegrowing frontier, known as Happy Canyon, is the warmest growing area in coastal Santa Barbara County. Here, progressive viticulture is inspired by soils of of valley loam riddled with river cobble, resulting in a finely structured Syrah with bright flavors of red fruits and spice.

WINEMAKING

The grapes were hand picked on October 15 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. Small open-top fermenters were employed to ensure beneficial air exchange for tannin softening. 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.