Joseph Phelps Vineyards: 2002 Syrah

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BLEND & GRAPE SOURCES:
96% Napa Syrah from estate-grown grapes (63%) and independent growers (37%); 4% estate-grown Viognier

HARVEST DATE: October 15, 2002.

WINEMAKING DATA:
Grapes were harvested at an average 25.5º Brix, fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged 19 months in a combination of new French oak barrels (40%) and two-year-old French oak (60%). The wine was subsequently blended and bottled in June, 2004.

In 2002, we co-fermented a small amount of Viognier, a white grape, with the Syrah, similar to what vignerons do in Côte Rôtie. The white varietal is known for adding complexity and floral attributes to the blend, and allowing the copious amounts of white pepper that is distinctive of Carneros Syrah to really shine through. The wine is rich in ripe fruit extract and has a long,
silky finish.

The 2002 vintage began much drier and cooler than 2001 and by the end of April we measured an average of 6 inches less of rain than during the first quarter of the previous year.

Consistent warmth throughout the summer, along with with 20 days of morning fog for both July and August, resulted in vine development running at full efficiency — shoot and leaf growth was strong and vine canopies were entirely filled with leaves to capture the sun’s energy. In September the weather pattern changed dramatically. High temperatures and dry north winds caused vine physiology to respond with an i n c rease in sugar and a drop in acidity. Fortunately, the summer months had promoted remarkably strong color and flavor development, enabling healthy vineyards to withstand the September heat wave and ripen to full maturity.