Syrah, Clifton Hill Vyd., 2006

$46.00 (library)

Situated within the recently declared American Viticultural Area (AVA) of Wahluke Slope, Clifton Hill Vineyard is on a west facing slope with a commanding view of Sentinel Gap and the Columbia River.  The vineyard is owned by well-known growers Jerry and Butch Milbrandt, who have several benchmark vineyards in the new AVA.  In addition to Syrah, Clifton Hill also produces Viognier, the classic white grape from the Rhône Valley.  Co-fermenting a small amount of Viognier with our Clifton Hill Syrah creates a distinctive aromatic character.

Winemaker's Notes:

Aromas of dried herbs and tobacco; soft tannins on the palate, with a slightly 'sweet' impression from the oak; an elegant wine with flavors of bing cherry and cola; hints of cocoa, cinnamon and toast in the background.

vintage: 2006

variety: Syrah  97%

           Viognier  3% (co-fermented)

appellation: Wahluke Slope

vineyard: Clifton Hill

grower: Milbrandt Brothers

total production:  204 cases

harvest date: September 26, 2006

barrels: American and Hungarian  

pH: 3.71

TA: 5.7 g/L

alc: 14.4%