Rowland Wines

1999 RED TRIANGLE SYRAH A case of less is MORE and the smaller the BETTER! The good news is Syrah can produce 25% more fruit than we would want. In 1999, this was great news as the yield was 30% down due to low flower fertility and a 20% smaller berry size. Amazingly, this meant that we did not have to drop fruit – a rare circumstance for a winemaker of Syrah. Harvest was postponed by an extended growing season that produced well-balanced fruit and more flavorful berries. These small, intense berries enhanced the wine further by the higher ratio of skins to juice. The result: less yield and smaller berries created a wine with more depth and a better concentration. Notes and Stats Yield: Reduced flower set and small berries produced a low three tons per acre Vineyard Data: Vertical trellis with de-leafing around clusters for extra color and flavor Yeast: 50% wild yeast, 50% cultivated Rhone Valley yeast Time on Skins: 22 days Fermentation: 24 hour cold soak, 100% whole berry co-fermentation of varieties Cooperage: 50% new oak, 50% 1-2 year old blend of French and American oak Cepage: Syrah 83%, Cabernet Sauvignon 17% Clarification: Non-fined Vineyard Sites: Coombsville 76%, Oak Knoll 20% , Atlas Peak 4% Case Production: 550 Release Date: January 1, 2001 Winemakers Notes: Aromas of black cherries, anise and fresh ground black peppercorns. A full bodied wine in structure, soft in mouth-feel with flavors of ripe plums, licorice and spice.     Back to Releases page... Also be sure to learn about...