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Varietal Compostion
91% Syrah
9% Merlot
Vineyard Locations
Pepper Bridge Vineyard—Walla Walla—100%
Barrel Aging
16 Months in 75%
French and 25%
American oak barrels. (20% new barrels)
Production Statistics
Harvest Dates—October 24, 2005
Bottling Date—April 10, 2007
Release Date—August 2007
Sugar at Harvest—24.6 Brix
Wine Alcohol—14.0%
Wine Acidity—0.58 g/100ml
Wine pH—3.72
Case Production—420
Vintage Conditions
The winter in 2004/2005 was warm and dry in the Walla Walla Valley, resulting in a late April bud break for most grapes. The warm spring encouraged growth and a nearly perfect berry set. Summer was very hot, resulting in a harvest of Syrah fruit that was high in sugar (24.6 Brix) and contained an acid balance of 0.58 g/100ml after fermentation. The incredible color and intensity of the fruit promises a spectacular future for this 2005 Syrah from the Walla Walla Valley.
Vinification
The carefully selected Syrah grapes from Pepper Bridge Vineyard were hand picked and gently de-stemmed and crushed before fermentation. The Syrah grapes were fermented at an average must temperature of 90 F for 10 days. At dryness, the Syrah grape must was lightly pressed into a settling tank. Malolatic fermentation was completed after the wine was placed in 225 liter oak barrels. The Syrah wine received a total of 6 rackings and was not filtered prior to bottling.
Wine Maker’s Tasting Notes
Fort Walla Walla Cellars 2005 Walla Walla Valley Syrah is racy, intense, and powerful! Earthy plum fruit tones satisfy one’s taste buds for this complex Syrah. Dazzling floral fruit flavors include traces of wild berries with a hint of pepper. The wine’s mild oak finish, combined with gentle tannins help tame this very sophisticated Syrah.
A wonderful addition to anyone’s wine cellar.