2010 Axiom® Syrah Alegría Vineyards

Double Gold Medal - 2014 American Fine Wine Competition
Gold Medal - 2013 Sunset International Wine Competition

Tasting Notes

A complex, layered nose offers an enticing introduction to this elegant and classic Syrah. Ripe blackberry and black pepper aromas and flavors are laced with a creamy mocha essence, as hints of cedar, tobacco, and violets add depth and dimension. Blueberry, dried herbs, spice, and a trace of cocoa and leather enhance the palate, as do the supple tannins and integrated oak.

Delicious now, this wine will continue to evolve with additional bottle aging.

Winemaker's Notes

An axiom is self-evident truth. We call our Syrah “Axiom” because it is evident from the first sniff and sip that this is a classic expression of cool climate Syrah. It also reflects the old tradition of co-fermenting Syrah with Viognier to stabilize color and enhance aromas and body.

Foggy mornings and cold nights in the Russian River Valley stretched out the growing season and gave the vines time to develop spicy berry flavors. A heat spike in August meant we had to painstakingly clip raisins off of each cluster as we picked to be sure we crushed only the best grapes. Our yield was only two tons per acre, but the remaining fruit was excellent, and the quality is evident in the wine.

Axiom’s distinctive character comes from Alegría Vineyard’s cool climate, the southern exposure of our hillside, and co-fermentation of three distinct Syrah clones with Viognier using native and Syrah yeasts. We aged the wine in a combination of French and American oak barrels carefully selected by Bill to enhance and integrate aromas and flavors. The result is a delicious reflection of the vineyard and the vintage.

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