2006 Kick Ranch - Syrah - Sonoma County |
 Place and vine:
A new addition, the gravelly Kick Ranch is a fantastic vineyard site located in the very cool Rincon Valley of Santa Rosa. Even cooler than much of RRV, the Kick Ranch produces wonderfully complex and balanced wines. To enhance the complexity we use three clones, 174, 470 and our favorite, Hermitage.
What we think:
A completely different flavor and aroma profile than the Odyssey, the Kick Ranch exhibits an aroma of dried oregano, rose petal, black cherry and tar. The mouth is filled with a sweet core of black cherry, toasted almonds, brown spice, tar and new oak. The tannins are fine and filling leading to a long finish. Very balanced through and through. What we did:
With the Kick Ranch we added up to 25% whole-clusters to the fermentation vessel. The stems contributed a spice component along with adding structure. We began fermentation, most years with native yeast, after a four-day ambient soak. We pumped over twice daily before fermentation began, and then punched down twice daily during fermentation. We barrel aged in up to 33% new French oak for 16 – 18 months. Racking with splashing in the barrel occurred every four months. The wine was then bottled unfiltered. Harvest Oct. 20, 2006
Brix: 27.2°
Clones: 470, 174 and Hermitage
pH: 3.8
T.A.: 5.8gms/L
Cooperage: All French – 33% New
Bottled: March 24, 2008 |