2009 McKinley Springs Syrah
Production: 230 Cases
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Tasting Notes
Nicknamed the “Espresso Block”, McKinley Springs gives us some of the most intense Syrah we produce. Deep purple/black color, aromas of blackberry, baking spices, roasted coffee, chocolate, game and smoke. Super concentrated flavors balanced with great natural acidity. Rich, yet refined, a hint of berry aromatics give evidence
to the Viognier while the finish lingers on with sweet, rounded fruit characteristics. Generous and sexy, this wine will age gracefully for many years.
Harvest Notes
Vineyards: McKinley Springs
Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills
Year Planted: 2000
Harvest Dates: Mid October
Varietals: 100% Syrah
Vineyard
Syrah typically ripens in the first weeks of September and gives us some of the most intense grapes we work with. Planted at 1,100 feet in elevation on Warden sandy silt loam soils with north south row orientation. Canopy is trained Vertical Shoot Positioning with the west side left to “flop” to protect the grapes from the hot afternoon sun. Shoot thinning and green thinning occur to ensure an even intense crop. Perhaps it is the elevation, or the soils, but this vineyard gives us some of the best balanced fruit we work with.
Vinification
The fruit was hand harvested and transported to the winery in the early morning. 70–80% of the fruit was de-stemmed with no crushing, with the remaining 20–30% whole clusters were added to the fermenter. Approximately 2% whole cluster Viognier was co-fermented with Syrah. Inoculated fermentation was in 80% concrete with pump-overs and 20% open top with manual pigeage. Pressing occurred just before dryness and all wine was barreled in a blend of neutral French oak. This bottling contains 100% free run juice. Egg white fining was with our own home-grown organic eggs. A polish filtration preceded bottling. Barrel time of 16 months.