Nose
This beautifully balanced Estate Syrah marries savory aromas of olive tapenade and black pepper with floral notes of violet.
Palate
The expansive palate shows intense flavors of blackberry, coffee, bitter chocolate, and a touch of spice paired with a fine tannin structure that gives way to a concentrated, rich finish.
Growing Conditions
L’Ecole No 41 is a partner in the 190 acre acclaimed Seven Hills Vineyard, which is planted
in wind-blown loess of geologically young and mineral-rich soils. Originally planted in 1981,
this Certified Sustainable and Certified Salmon-Safe vineyard has been recognized as one of
the Ten Great Vineyards of the World by Wine & Spirits Magazine.
Harvest
The 2017 vintage was moderate in heat units and produced spectacular quality and balance normally associated with such seasonal conditions. A cool, wet spring delayed bud break until early April allowing the vines to fully recover from a hard prior winter. Bloom occurred in early June in line with the long-term average. July and early August were slightly warmer than normal suppressing berry growth and yields. Late September was cooler than normal. This slowed fruit maturation, pushing most of harvest into October. Our beautiful Indian summer brought plentiful sunshine in October. Warm days and cool night temperatures produced an ideal balance of flavor development, acid retention, and mineral notes in the majority of wines. A near-perfect vintage in the door.
Bottling
Bottling Date: February 15, 2019
Winemaking
Each block was hand-harvested. About 20% of the fruit was fermented whole cluster on stems while the remainder was gently crushed into 1.5 ton stainless steel fermenters. Gentle handling of the fruit through hand punch downs and gravity-assisted movements were utilized throughout the entire winemaking process. The wine was cleanly racked to small oak barrels, 40% new, with four rackings over 18 months.
