2008 Cotes du Crow's

Morgan Cotes du Crow’s is a blend of 55% Syrah and 45% Grenache from central and southern Monterey County. Here the fog burns off early allowing ample sunshine to warm temperatures to the mid to upper 80’s during the summer and fall. The rising warm air draws the cool winds from Monterey Bay in the late afternoon. By night time, temperatures cool to the low 50’s.

Monterey County experienced lighter than expected yields in 2008. Low winter rain fall, an April frost, and mild temperatures throughout the growing season combined for reduced crop and excellent fruit quality. Berry size was small, resulting in vibrant color and intense flavor and aromas. We finished harvest for the ‘08 Cotes du Crow’s on November 3rd.

The wine was fermented in open top tanks and received manual punch-downs. This enabled good extraction and structure development with pleasant tannins. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels. Using 18% new oak gives the wine subtle spice and vanilla characters without over powering the elegant fruit profile.

This Rhone-style blend has a rich ruby red color, highlighted with purple edges. Black cherry, blackberry pie, leather and spicy aromas jump out of the glass. The wine is medium-bodied with soft tannins; it offers a mouthful of red berry and cherry, along with sweet spice, red currant and a bit of toasty oak. Its weight and balance make it a perfect pairing with anything off the grill...