2007 Syrah

Varietal Composition

100% Syrah

Vineyard Locations

Pepper Bridge Vineyard,- Walla Walla-100%

Barrel Aging

18 Months in 88% French
12% American used oak barrels.

Production Statistics

Harvest Date-October 19, 2007
Bottling Date-April 6, 2009
Release Date-October 2010
Sugar at Harvest 26.4 Brix
Wine Alcohol-14.3%
Wine Acidity-0.72 g/100ml
Wine pH-3.89
Case Production-387

Vintage Conditions

The winter in 2006/2007 was warm and dry in the Walla Walla Valley, resulting in an early May 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 (26.4 Brix) and contained an acid balance of 0.72 g/100ml after fermentation. The incredible color and intensity of the fruit promises a spectacular future for this 2007 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 89 °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 5 rackings and was not filtered prior to bottling.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

Fort Walla Walla Cellars 2007 Walla Walla Valley Syrah is elegant indeed! Earthy plum fruit tones spiced with pepper satisfy one's taste buds for this 100% Syrah wine. The floral fruit flavors include traces of wild berries with hints of pepper. The wine's mild oak finish, combined with gentle tannins provide a very sophisticated finish to this wonderful Syrah. A wonderful addition to anyone's wine cellar.