
2007 J. LOHR ESTATES South Ridge Syrah, Paso Robles
VINTAGE
2007 was a very dry year in Paso Robles, with the seasonal total for rainfall registering a scant 4.4 inches. Paso Robles was met with serious but short heat waves around the 4th of July and then in the beginning of August, the latter of which hit prior to veraison and had little effect on color development in our red varieties. Crop size was initially below projected in every vineyard, with smaller than average berry size--yet with excellent fruit quality, moderate tannins and deep, rich color. The 2007 vintage includes Australian clones 1, 4 and 6, which bring a dark complexion of blackberry, boysenberry and plum jam flavors, with French Chapoutier, clone 470 and 877 adding bright red fruits and violets. To create the most authentic regional expression of Syrah, we now have a diverse palette of fruit contributing to South Ridge, including our original planting of Australian clones in block 6; block 15, which has become the signature component of the blend, with both Australian and French clones; and a new addition from our block 13 Creston property, which is a mix of French and Australian clones. The result is a plump, dark, abundantly fruity and spicy Syrah from arguably the choicest sources of fruit in all of Paso.
SYRAH
The 2007 J. Lohr Estates South Ridge Syrah is grown on a combination of predominantly sandy and gravelly soils, to reign in Syrah’s rangy growth potential. The name South Ridge is derived from the orientation of its namesake vineyard, which sits on a south-facing hillside, resulting in fruit with intense flavors. As the popularity of Syrah has grown, we have planted two additional estate vineyards which include both Australian and French clones – one, block 15, is within a mile of the original planting, and the second is eight miles south in a slightly cooler area of the Paso Robles AVA.
TECHNICAL DATA
Origin: Paso Robles
Varietal: 100% Syrah
Brix at Harvest: 26.4° Brix
Total Acidity: 0.65 g/100 ml
pH at Bottling: 3.78
Alcohol: 13.78% by volume
Residual Sugar: 0.4 g/100ml
Vinification: Stainless steel fermented
Malolactic fermentation in barrel
Maturation: 14 months barrel aging in French and American oak, 25% new
Bottling Date: March 19, 2009
WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS
The 2007 J. Lohr Estates South Ridge Syrah is dark crimson with a vibrant hue. Rich, ripe aromas of black cherry and blackberry fruit are framed with a light toasted oak signature, and are bolstered by flavors of currant and cranberry. While 2007 South Ridge Syrah has medium body and firm tannin structure, its finish is bright and alluring. Enjoy this wine now with a savory tri-tip with an ancho-chile glaze, or with hearty, braised meats.
Steve Peck, red winemaker
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