Melville Winery - Estate-Verna's Syrah

(vintage may vary)

This is 100% Melville estate fruit from our ranch in Los Alamos and is named in honor of Ron Melville’s mother. Verna’s Vineyard Syrah is composed of seven different clones: (Estrella, Shiraz 1, Tablas 99, 174, 383, 470 and 877). 30% of the grapes were fermented as whole-cluster with 70% de-stemmed in small 1.5 ton open-top fermenters. Total skin and stem contact averaged 30 days (a 7 day cold soak, 2+ weeks fermentation and 1+ week extended maceration.) From the press, the wine was transferred directly into neutral (old French oak) where it remained sur lie without sulfur until May, when it was racked for the first time and prepared for bottling in August. Yields were 3.8 lbs/vine (3.5 tons/acre). 

 

Tasting Notes: Dark mulberry in color, savory nuances of ham hock, saddle leather, venison jerky and mortadella spring from the glass. In the background, dense and dark fruit notes of blackberry preserves, plum skin and mincemeat intermingle with impressions of orange zest, nutmeg, black tea and menthol. The mouthfeel is creamy and polished with fine tannins that coat the mouth through the wines’ plush and lengthy finish. 100% Syrah Clones: Estrella, Shiraz 1, Tablas 99, 174, 383, 470 and 877 30% whole cluster fermented Neutral barrel (5-20 year old French oak barrels) Alcohol 14.0% Cases Produced: 2,775 Release Date: 11.12.2014

(Previous Vintage) 

"Dark red and black fruit, mint, new leather and smoke inform the 2012 Syrah Estate Verna's. Lifted and Pinot-like in its aromatic nuance and weight, the 2012 speaks more the qualities of this site in Los Alamos than it does to true varietal character. The Verna's Syrah is a pretty wine, but it needs to be appreciated on its own terms." (7/2014)