2007 Tierra Mar Syrah

Morgan Tierra Mar demonstrates the power and elegance capable from Syrah grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The ‘07 cuvee
was selected from the Fairview Road Ranch Vineyard. Planted in 2000 with NW-SE row orientation at 807 vines per acre, Fairview is one of the finest Syrah vineyards in the Highlands. Located on east facing terraces overlooking the Salinas River Valley, the vineyard receives exceptional sun exposure and strong afternoon breezes which moderate the afternoon temperature and thicken grape skins. The result is clean, quality fruit with intense flavors and balanced acidity.

Although 2007 was typically cool and windy, this vintage shows a lot of intensity due to high stress on the vines from a dry winter preceding a cold, wet spring. The outcome was a natural 40% decrease in crop, further focusing flavor and acidity.

After extended hang-time, ripe fruit is hand picked and sorted. The grapes were de-stemmed and fermented in small open tanks to retain the subtle characteristics of cool climate fruit. Manual punch-downs and extended maceration insures color and flavor extraction with well integrated tannins. The wine was aged for 14 months in 30% new Francios Feres barrels. This selection is a blend of clones 877 and 470.

The ’07 Tierra Mar Syrah displays aromas of blackberry jam with white pepper, leather and cinnamon. Rich flavors of plum and blackberries coupled with dark chocolate and a touch of vanillin oak complete the palate. The wine’s velvety tannins add polish, making it a perfect match for slow cooked meats with roasted potatoes and winter vegetables...
 

Reviews

92, The International Wine Review, November 2009