2005
Francis Coppola Reserve Dry Creek Valley Syrah
Rosso & Bianco winery
|
Francis Coppola reserve 2005 Dry Creek Valley Syrah is co-fermented with a small percentage of Viognier—just as it is in the Rhône Valley. The addition of Viognier helps 'set' Syrah's bright-magenta color and enhances its alluring perfume of currants, raspberry, vanilla, leather and allspice. Flavors of cherries and black plums plus a note of white pepper are shouldered by supple tannins and a long, lush finish.
We suggest pumpkin sage ravioli, roasted squab or barbecued lamb chops for a spectacular pairing.
blend: 95% Syrah, 5% Viognier; Aged: 14 mo. in 50% new French oak and 50% 1-year-old French oak barrels; alcohol: 14.3%.
Varietals
| Percent Varietal | Vineyard, Appellation |
|---|---|
| 95% Syrah | |
| 5% Viognier |
Vintage Notes
The Appellation and Vineyard
Syrah was planted in Dry Creek Valley, along with Zinfandel, Carignane and Petite Sirah, as early as 1870, when French immigrants began converting the land from orchards to vineyards. The appellation is high in organic material, with two soil types: the valley floor for silt and clay loam soils and the influences of nickel and magnesium; the hillsides with the influence of rocky clay loam soils and greater organic matter.
Additionally, Dry Creek Valley experiences temperature differentials, with the valley acting as a funnel to capture marine breezes, which cool the vineyards considerably every evening.
Because there is a substantial difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, the growing season lasts longer, so the grapes mature more slowly. This accentuates the jammy,
dark berry flavors of Syrah.