Sanglier Cellars 2016 Jemrose Syrah

WINEMAKER Glenn Alexander

APPELLATION Bennett Valley

VINEYARD. Jemrose 100% Syrah

AGING. 17 months French Oak. 20% new oak

129 CASES PRODUCED

ALCOHOL/PH/TA

13.5%/ 3.7/ 6.3 g/L

RETAIL PRICE. $60

FARMING

Our vineyards are chosen for very specific reasons. First, the proper grape varietal must be planted where the climatic conditions promote ripeness, but not planted on a site that allows ripening too easily. Secondly, the soil conditions must promote drainage and provide balanced nutrition. Our vineyards are farmed certified sustainably, organically or biodynamically. We are able to influence grape quality in many ways, including vine architecture, arranging or removing leaves to allow the desired amount of sunlight to reach the clusters, adding nutrition or irrigation, and managing the yield for the best levels of flavor, tannins and acidity.

JEMROSE VINEYARD

Set in the hilly area at the southern end of Bennett Valley, at an elevation of 623 feet, the soils are a good mix of Los Robles gravelly clay loam and volcanic black glass. Several premiere syrahs have been produced from Jemrose. Wonderfully brisk nights and gentle warm days are ideal for premium wine grape growing. These vines are framed by steep hills allowing the cooling night breezes to sweep coastal fog in on most nights that give way quickly each morning to brilliant sunshine.

WINEMAKING

We usually leave some stems in our syrah fermentations. Sometimes as much as 100% depending on the characteristics of the stems. Doing the hard work in the vineyards allows us to take a more natural approach in the cellar. We are there to coax the grapes through fermentation. We use temperature, punch downs, gentle pump overs, and other hands-on techniques to help the grapes transform from delicious and sweet juice into wine that is vibrant, fresh, balanced and elegant. 

THE WINE (Updated October 2018)

Dense, with pretty violet and herbal aromatics. Smoky olive, red fruit, and spiced meats. Modestly soft tannins and delicate  minerality.  This wine has excellent balance driven by the cool site and well drained soils. Like most of the syrahs we make this wine will evolve over the years building ever changing layers of flavors and aromas. Drink now but don’t be afraid to hold for the coming years. It will be worth it.