When Richard Arrowood first saw Saralee's Vineyard in 1990, he was impressed with its beauty and its distinct "terroir." Since that introduction over ten years ago, Richard's admiration for this incredible site has manifested itself in a history of vineyard designated wines worthy of "first growth" status. Our 2000 Syrah from Saralee's Vineyard is one of those wines.
Following the traditional winemaking method in Côte Rôtie, a small amount of Viognier (also from Saralee's Vineyard) was added to the blend during fermentation. This co-fermentation process enhances the floral top notes and is said to produce more intense colors and structure. This wine was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels prior to bottling, and to preserve its true characteristics and integrity, was not fined nor filtered.
The 2000 Saralee's Vineyard Syrah is one of a series of great wines from Saralee's Vineyard; it is packed with personality, reflecting the depth and intensity of the 2000 vintage. Concentrated aromas of Chinese camphor, black licorice and pepper mix with a subtle smokiness in the nose; while in the mouth rich, dark fruit flavors and a silky finish leave a lasting impression. This elegant wine will make a delicious addition to any table, pairing with almost anything from mixed grill to moussaka.