1997 Lytton Estate Syrah

A fine spring permitted the two small syrah parcels on Lytton West to set a large crop, which was thinned rigorously when the grapes turned color in August. Viognier from the same vineyard was fermented with the syrah, intensifying the spicy character while moderating the very firm tannins. During these co-fermentations, the juice was pumped over the floating cap of skins, allowing better control of tannin extraction than with a submerged cap. Seventeen percent of the wine was aged in new, air-dried American oak. Another fifty percent aged in similar two and three-year-old barrels, the rest in five-year old wood. This lovely, perfumed syrah has the firm structure required for extended aging, yet will be very appealing as a young wine. PD (1/99)

51 barrels produced.

Average Rating: 91.3

No. of Tasting Notes: 16

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