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2009 Pride Mountain Vineyards Syrah Sonoma County
- Syrah
- Written by Fred Swan
- Friday, 09 March 2012 20:02
Pride Mountain Vineyards sits atop Spring Mountain. Both the winery and it’s vineyards straddle the Napa-Sonoma County line. In fact, Pride has two separate production facilities, two sets of books, etc. Legally, it is two different wineries.
One winery makes Napa Valley wine. The other, eight seconds away by foot, is devoted to Sonoma County wine. In a concession to cost-efficiency, the crusher-destemmer is on wheels. Pride’s production crew pushes it back and forth over the county line as needed.
At more than 2,000 feet above sea level, Pride’s vines aren’t shrouded by morning fog. Their mountain aerie provides day-long sun. It also results in temperatures more moderate throughout the day than is common on the valley floor of either county. This works out well for the Pride Mountain Syrah.
The dark, ruby-purple wine has flavors and tannins that are fully ripe but don’t raise the first thought of jam. Nosing the glass revieals black cherry, dusty blackberry, wood and a suggestion of dark flowers. Aficionados of cool climate Syrah will find their beloved black pepper among the flavors, but the spice is gentle and cloaked in enough rich black fruit to keep others happy. Hints of licorice and chocolate add depth.
2009 Pride Mountain Vineyards Syrah Sonoma County is nearly full-bodied and begins with moderate, extremely fine tannins. After 15 minutes in the glass, those tannins grow weightier and chalky, aromas and flavors recede. Another 30 minutes sees the wine open back up with good integration all around and an extended finish.
The wine is ready to drink now. I would not decant it as that would bypass the initial phase which I quite liked. Cellaring for up to five years will bring additional complexity and allow some of the tannins to resolve. If you drink it now, try it with medium-rare leg of lamb. Highly Recommended.
2009 Pride Mountain Vineyards Syrah Sonoma County
Rating: Highly Recommended
Drink: Now through 2017+
Release Date: May, 2011
Closure: Cork
Production: 974 cases
Retail Price: $60.00
Winemaker: Sally Johnson
Blend: 99% Syrah, 1% Viognier
Origin: Sonoma County
Fermentation: Stainless steel
Aging: 14 months in neutral French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.6%
The wine above was provided by the winery.
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This article is original to NorCalWine.com. Copyright 2012 NorCal Wine. Photo by Fred Swan. All rights reserved.