• 2017 Syrah
    Mendocino
    • (750 ml) Sold Out!
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Syrah is a primary grape variety in the Rhône and has probably been grown there since Roman times. Research at the University of California at Davis and the University in Montpellier proved Syrah to be a genetic cross of two obscure varieties, Mondeuse Blanc and Dureza; all three of these varieties are indigenous to France. In the Rhône, Syrah was traditionally co-fermented with a modest proportion of Viognier (white) grapes to perfume and lighten the blend. Today most of the red winemaking is committed to producing massive wines frequently aged in new barrels and priced accordingly.


Aaron and Sarah practicing punchdowns in 1989. [right]
Sarah is an important part of our morning staff tasting where we evaluate possible blends. It's hard to believe, but 2020 will be Sarah's 16th harvest at Navarro as a Davis-trained winemaker—although she "worked" at the winery for many years before graduate school. [below]

Navarro's style is definitely not massive, and although we've never tried co-fermenting Syrah with Viognier, our winemaking regimes result in a wine that is perhaps more like old-time Syrah: the grapes are destemmed and punched down by hand twice daily to keep the tannins rounded, then pressed when the alcohol reaches 12% to avoid harsh seed tannins. Richly textured with flavors of boysenberry and black cherry mingled with notes of pepper, coffee and mint. Gold Medal winner.

Specifications
  • Harvested: Sept. 15, 2017
  • Sugars at harvest: 25.8° Brix
  • Bottled: Aug. 14, 2018
  • Cases produced: 373
  • Alcohol: 13.5%
  • Titratable acidity: 5.4 g/L
  • pH: 3.84