BLUE BOOK TASTE PROFILE

Appellation: Suisun Valley
Varietal: Syrah | Shiraz


TASTE BENCHMARKS
  Profile #1
Drinkable Style
Profile #2
Ageworthy Style
Appearance Medium ruby to garnet Dark and dense.
Aroma Plums and cocoa are signature aromas; sometimes also white pepper and leather, acquiring with age a bouquet reminiscent of grilled beef. Rich violets, white pepper and sorrel.
Flavor Soft tannins, medium bodied, round and quaffable. Firm, well-structured tannins.
Balance Soft acidity for current drinking. Restrained alcohol, somewhat closed in youth.
PRODUCTION CORRELATIONS
Oenological Standard techniques. 12-15 months in mixed oak. Extended maceration.
Viticultural Moderate hangtime. Vigourous vines are balanced with 6-7 tons per acre, resulting in drinkable wines of great affordability. Clones 97 and 383 show great promise.
Terroir Heavy clays throughout the Valley floor, from Region I to III. Plantings off the Valley floor have denser, harder tannins.