Michaud 2003 Syrah

Vineyard Notes:
It is rare in the United States that limestone occurs in areas suitable for vineyards. Limestone is a key component in the minerally flavors of great Burgundies and it is because of the region’s dramatic geologic history that limestone occurs in today’s Gabilan mountains.

The Chalone Appellation sits adjacent to the San Andreas Fault, the tectonic meeting of the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate. The great Pacific Plate that is west of the fault line was once and for eons the bed of the ocean. Countless generations of sea life formed a marine sediment that eventually compacted and became limestone, only to be thrust above the surface of the ocean by the great force of the grinding plates. The limestone combined with granite from the North American plate to form the ideal soil type; well-drained decomposed granite and limestone with some clay.

Winemaker Notes:
We planted a few cuttings of a rare selection of Syrah in 1988. Cuttings from those nine vines were propagated and two acres were planted in 1999. Syrah seems to thrive in this appellation. The rocky mineral laden soil restrains Syrah’s natural vigor and produces smaller clusters than most clones of Syrah elsewhere in the state. The wine coming from these vines is very dark, supple and substantial in weight on the palate. Moderate, silky tannins surround vivid flavors of black cherry and blackberry, with a hint of pepper. A pleasant mineral-earthiness and restrained oak complement the flavors and extend the harmonious finish.


Food Pairing Notes:
Serve with grilled steak, prime rib, guinea hen, sausage, mushroom risotto and grilled eggplant.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Chalone
Varietal Composition:	100% Syrah, Estate
Harvest dates:	October 9, 2003
Aging:	20 months
Oak:	20% New, 80% 1-3 Year Old French Oak
TA:	6.6 g/L
pH:	3.51
Sugar at Harvest:	23.6 degrees Brix
Alcohol:	14.1%
Bottling Date:	June 20, 2005
Optimum Consumption:	2006- 2016+