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 5 Barrel Aging 17 months French oak (50% new) Varietal Composition Syrah 100% Final Analysis Alcohol by Volume 15.5% TA .67 PH 3.61 Total Production 354 cases

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TASTING NOTES

Our 2004 Syrah from Crossroads Vineyard begins with exotic aromas of raspberry, sweet tobacco, pencil shavings and spice. Supple flavors of black cherry and plum anticipate accents of mocha and toasty vanilla bean. The texture is smooth and silky, finishing with integrated tannins that add structure and longevity.

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 5 after a steady growing season. 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 17 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.