Most of the 2008 red wines produced by Navarro displayed very few smoky notes immediately after being fermented and aged; subsequently the wines received our normal "hands-off" winemaking regime. Not this Syrah. After fermentation in the early winter, we noticed that the Syrah was definitely smoky. We decided to filter all lots using reverse osmosis before we barrel aged the wine in order to ameliorate the filtration's side effects. The filtration had the intended effect of substantially reducing the smoky flavors, but unfortunately also diminished intensity.

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After ten months in seasoned French barrels, a blend was selected from the three available lots and bottled in August 2009. When compared to our regular Syrahs, this bottling is lighter and less forceful but it is definitely fruitier than most Navarro 2008 red wines and is charmingly quaffable. Flavors of dark cherry dominate, with suggestions of blackberry, tobacco and herbs. We like to serve it with homemade fennel or spicy merquez sausage. Silver Medal winner.

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