Amista 2003 Syrah, Morningsong Vineyards

Recommended Wine:
Amista 2003 Syrah, Morningsong Vineyards

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes:
This is a big mouthful with hints of smoke and spice. The full fruit flavors buzz around your mouth and finish with a smooth tannin finish. This syrah wants to share your palate with grilled meat such as a barbequed tri-tip or a fine rib eye steak.

Vineyard Notes:
Our 20 acres of vineyards are in the central part of Dry Creek Valley, on the floor of the basin. Comprised of the loose, gravelly alluvial soils typical of the area, they provide excellent drainage. Our proximity to the Creek also means that the vineyards linger in the cool morning fog before the sun begins to warm them. In the early spring this protects our estate grown Syrah from frost after bud break. During the mid- and late-growing season, cool air flows into the vineyards at night from the surrounding hills, producing flavor-packed Syrah.

It all starts in the vineyards. From there, our goal is to preserve the essential characteristics of the fruit, to produce wines that are approachable, friendly and pair well with food. Our style is light on the oak and focuses on the fruit flavors in the wine.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Dry Creek Valley
Harvest:	October 20, 2003
Brix at Harvest:	23
TA:	.57 g/100 mL
pH:	3.91
Aging:	18 months
Oak:	50% French; 50% American, 25 % new
Alcohol:	14.6%