2018 Bywater Syrah

We originally planted .3 acres of Syrah to add an extra dimension to our Estate Red. When we harvested our first vintage in 2014, we were amazed by the layers of complexity and varietal flavors that this block offered, so we decided to bottle it separately even though the production is miniscule. The name Bywater is a reference to Chris James’ and Ames Morison’s favorite neighborhood in New Orleans.

2018 Bywater Syrah has an elegantly rustic aroma filled with exotic spices, loaded up with green, white, and black peppercorn. It has a dense and full-bodied palate of black cherry, red currant, and powerful berry flavors to compliment the vibrant acidity. The palate is nicely rounded out with smooth and rich tannins. 

Vintage

The winter gave us less rainfall than normal.  Almost all of the precipitation came in the early spring, so the vineyard had a full profile of water to start the growing season. We saw good early growth, a few warm periods, but no severe heat spikes. The key ripening period in late summer and early fall was cool and sunny, delaying harvest by a week but allowing full flavor development. We were blessed with a vintage we always dream about: abundant fruit of excellent quality.