1999 Lytton Estate Syrah

The two small parcels of syrah at Lytton Springs began their growing season in late May. In early October, the grapes were harvested at full ripeness—a result of low yields and a warm fall. The few remaining rows of Lytton Springs viognier produced a mere quarter-ton; this and the syrah were co-fermented. To mitigate tannin extraction, last year’s inclusion of five percent whole clusters was increased to fourteen. After a week of maceration, the wine was pressed. One half completed natural secondary fermentation in tank, the other half in new American oak barrels; aging took place in a combination of new, two-year-old, and five year-old Missouri oak. The small amount of grenache adds both spice and complexity. Highly appealing as a young wine, this well-structured syrah has the potential to develop for ten or twelve years. PD (4/01)

33 barrels produced

Average Rating: 90.8

No. of Tasting Notes: 16

View this wine on CellarTracker

See all food pairing recipes we have created specifically for this wine.