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The 2004 vintage at Montemaggiore producted Syrahs of such intense aromas and flavors that we also bottled a Reserve Syrah. Below you will find more information on the Paolo's Vineyard Syrah, which has received wonderful reviews including a Double Gold Medal at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair.
In the Vineyard
Located on a mountainside high above Dry Creek Valley, the rocky soils of Paolo’s Vineyard produce intensely flavored grapes at naturally low yields. Using sustainable practices and organic materials, we farm our estate vineyards without chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.
Yields were pushed lower in 2004 due to the cold, wet, dark spring of 2003 (grape bunches are formed internally the spring before they emerge). Our regulated deficit irrigation practices caused the individual grapes to be much smaller thus even more intensely flavored. Given the smaller number of bunches with smaller berries in 2004, we were further rewarded with wonderfully mild and even summer temperatures—the harvest was our earliest on record. What a spectacular year!
In the Winery
Harvested at two separate times for optimum ripeness, the grapes were destemmed but not crushed, carefully hand sorted, and held in stainless steel for three days. The whole berry fermentation was conducted in open-top tanks to bring out complexity in the palate. After a gentle pressing, the wine aged for 24 months in primarily French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
On your Palate
The aroma of the 2004 Paolo's Vineyard Syrah opens with ripe blueberry and blackberry underpinned by vanilla and white pepper. The highly-textured palate balances the luscious fruit with a supple, velvety firmness. This wine carries the hallmarks of Montemaggiore: rich and mouth-filling yet elegant, with well integrated oak, smooth tannins and a long finish.
Montemaggiore Syrah will improve with time in your cellar. If opened within the first few years of release, we suggest you decant it for an hour or two.
Technical Information
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| Varietal Blend |
95% Syrah
5% Cabernet |
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| Avg Sugar at Harvest |
27.0° Brix |
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| Alcohol |
14.7% |
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| Cases Produced |
400 |
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| Optimum consumption |
2007-2012 |
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| Cooperage |
70% French
30% American |
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| Percentage new oak |
48% |
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| Harvest Date |
Sept 14 & 15, 2004 |
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| Bottling Date |
Sept 2006 |
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| Release Date |
Apr 2007 |
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© Copyright 2004-2013 Montemaggiore, Inc. All rights reserved.
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