Farm Cottage 2021 Syrah, Ryan Spencer Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains

Ryan Spencer Vineyard was established in 2001 by Richard Alfaro on his Corralitos estate. The vineyard comprised of 7 acres broken into different blocks on a very steep hill between 450 and 800 feet in elevation. Situated on sandy loam, the Syrah is planted to clones 470, 877, and 174.

Harvested on 11/2/21, the grapes were fermented 100% whole cluster in an open-top stainless steel tank. A natural pied de cute was put into the tank on day 2. Gravity rack and returns were performed twice a day. Fermentation lasted 14 before pressing occurred. The wine was placed into neutral french oak barrels and bottled on 8/15/22.

This cool climate syrah is bursting with aromas of white pepper and dark rich fruit. Brilliant acidity with blue and light red fruits on the plate with that signature wisp of pepper on the and a softer tannin but still enough bite from the pepper spice that drives the wine down your palate.