2008 Syrah

WINEMAKER'S NOTES

Our first release of Syrah at Le Vieux Pin and we couldn't be happier with the results. Syrah in the South Okanagan is unique and deserves the attention of the world. Resulting wines are neither like the Shiraz's we have come to know from Australia and South Africa, nor like the Syrah's we have come to know from the Rhone Valley and the South of France. 2008 Syrah comprised of 4 clones and fermented with a few percent of viognier were mostly grown on the Black Sage Bench with a little fruit blended from the Golden Mile. The resulting effort is a very complex wine. Even though the age of the vines are quite young, the resulting  wine has suprised us and captivated us from the vineyard to the bottle. Combining elements of both orld world and new world, our Syrah is leaning more toward what you would expect from the old world hence the name. Nuanced, elegant and refined. Black peppercorn rubbed steak, game, melange of wild berries, bacon and smoke make up the aromatics and flavour profile of this wine. Tasting mighty fine already, this wine should deliver loads of pleasure upon release in Spring 2011. 

FOOD PAIRINGS

Black peppercorn crusted New York Steak helps to bring out more of the pepper nuances found int his wine. 

ACCOLADES AND REVIEWS

"[Made from fruit grown on the] Black Sage Road. It is a lovely wine, with sweet fruit on the palate- plum, black cherry and a touch of black pepper. It is appealingly full-bodied." John Schreiner - 90 points

"...grapes were cropped down to 3.1 tons per acre. That begins to explain the condensed nature of this juice. A quick nosing draws in bacon fat, raspberry, blueberry, saddle leather, and cigar. There's no disappointment on the palate, which drinks lively and evenly with smoky and peppery notes." Wine Press North West - Excellent

"This Syrah, from 3-4 year old vines, has 4% Viognier added during fermentation, in the form of pressed grape skins, to lift the aromatic qualities of the nose. Dark cherry, black pepper oil, oak and a touch of cola represent the decent complexity in his inaugural vintage. Drink 2011-2015."89-90 Points  Liam Carrier | IconWines.ca