Joseph Phelps Vineyards: 1993 Syrah

Wines

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BLEND & GRAPE SOURCES:
Estate-grown Syrah from our Stag's Leap, Carneros and Yountville vineyards.

HARVEST DATES:
September 11 - 21, 1993

WINEMAKING DATA:
Grapes were harvested from September 11 - 21, 1993 at an average 23.9 degrees Brix, fermented in stainless steel, then aged 18 months in 60-gallon French and American oak barrels before being blended and bottled in June, 1996. Only 700 cases were produced.

The early-maturing 1993 vintage provided a number of challenges to North Coast winemakers, including cool, wet weather in late May and early June (lowering crop yields), high temperatures and strong winds at the end of June (causing sunburn damage) and a heat spell in late August which raised grape sugars but not necessarily ripeness levels. However, among the rewards and benefits of 20-plus years of winemaking is the ability to produce a good wine from a difficult vintage. Reduced crop yields in 1993 produced more concentrated, flavorful fruit, as did thinning out sunburned grape clusters; and vineyards that withstood the August heat and received additional "hang time" developed excellent flavors and tannins. Our 1993 Syrah is an outstanding wine with firm tannins, spicy, licorice-like aromas and hints of blackberry and mocha in the bright fruit flavors.