2019 Axiom Syrah Alegria Vineyards

Tasting Notes

An inviting nose of toasted oak and ripe black fruit fuses with hints of kid-glove leather, toffee, and white pepper. A rich core of spicy dark cherry, blackberry, plum, and caramel seamlessly merges with creamy mocha notes. Traces of white floral, blueberry, and orange zest appear as the wine opens and broadens in the long finish. Polished tannins and integrated oak support the plush, complex flavors and enhance the wine’s ageability.

Winemaker's Notes

In 1991, we planted our south-facing hillside as a field blend of Syrah inter-planted with Viognier. Following the old Côte Rôtie tradition, we co-ferment the two varieties. Viognier adds aroma and enhances color. We call this wine “Axiom” (a self-evident truth) because it is such a classic expression of cool climate Russian River Valley Syrah. This is our 21st and last vintage. Ample winter rains were supplemented by more in May. After a cool spring, summer growing conditions were ideal, and the grapes ripened evenly.
After crushing, a three-day cold soak let natural enzymes unlock flavors and aromas from the two varieties before an uninoculated fermentation. We aged the wine sur lies for 19 months in a combination of barrels carefully selected from different coopers for their ability to enhance Axiom’s typical berry flavors, while adding structure and notes of vanilla and spice.

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