Cool climate Syrah offers dense, dark fruit flavors with peppery spice and balanced acidity. Morgan, long known for our fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, has mastered the art of crafting limited bottlings of Syrah. The 2007 Monterey Syrah is sourced from a collection of vineyards from northern Monterey appellations, including our own “certified organic” Double L Vineyard.
A dry winter preceded the 2007 growing season. The spring months were cold and rainy. This two-fold stress on the vines produced a low yield of richly colored fruit, with intense flavors.
The Syrah was harvested in late October after a long hang-time. Hand sorted grapes were destemmed before going into small open top fermentation tanks. An extended maceration optimizes color extraction, manual punch-downs provide soft supple tannins. The wine is aged in 25% new French oak barrels for 14 months before the final blend is assembled and bottled.
Our Monterey Syrah displays a beautiful deep, dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Black cherries, plum and blueberry aromas with spicy pepper and leather round out the nose. The wine strikes an elegant balance, with firm tannins deeply folded into the rich black cherry, chocolate and roasted coffee flavors. Although dense and structured, the ‘07 Syrah does note overpower food. Try with roasts and stews, or something off the grill like lamb kabobs. You will see how elegantly Syrah from a Pinot specialist performs...
Reviews
Wine of the Week, Fredric Koeppel, October 19, 2009
