Joseph Phelps Vineyards: 1994 Syrah

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

HARVEST DATE:
October 15-21, 1994

WINEMAKING DATA:
Grapes were harvested from October 15 - 21, 1994 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.

We have been producing Syrah since 1974, and over the course of two-plus decades have learned a great deal about the varietal, including the fact that it performs best in temperate climates. It is not surprising, therefore, that the cooler mid-valley and southern Napa vineyards which are the source of our current release have yielded what is probably our best Syrah to date. The wine is smooth, rich and pleasingly proportioned, with intense black fruit flavors and a smoky/spicy component that is especially complementary to hearty meat dishes. (An interesting side note to this wine is that uncorking the bottle and letting it "breathe" for an hour or so prior to drinking brings out a lovely perfumed scent of crushed dried herbs and flowers.)

WINEMAKING QUOTES:

1994 VIN DU MISTRAL SYRAH (90-92) The 1994 Vin du Mistral Syrah is
destined to be the finest Syrah Joseph Phelps has yet made. The wine
offers a black color, a knock-out nose of spring flowers, blackcurrants,
earth, truffles and pepper, superb density, a layered, concentrated feel
and an admirably long finish.

Robert M. Parker, Jr.s'
The Wine Advocate.
12/95