Release of the 2005 Las Madres Vineyard Syrah from Carneros

We're thrilled to finally release our 2nd vintage from this very special Syrah only vineyard from Carneros. Here are a few notes:

Appellation: ............................................. Carneros - 100%
Harvest Dates:........................................ October 18, 2005
Brix at Harvest:........................................ 25.4
Alcohol:.................................................... 14.4%
Cooperage:….......................................... Seguin Moreau
Aged:........................................................ 16 months in 100% French oak
Release Date:.......................................... February 2007
Retail Price:............................................. $45.00


Tasting Notes

San Sakana’s 2005 Las Madres Syrah presents a complex mix of black cherry, peppers, and olives all present in a bed of Carneros terroir. Aging for 16 months in a combination of brand new & neutral French oak barrels gives a hint of toast to the fragrant Syrah fruit. Richly aromatic with a beautiful garnet color, this wine should drink well for the next 4-6 years.


Vineyard Notes

Las Madres Vineyard is located in the heart of the Carneros region of the Sonoma Coast, with nine acres planted in 1999. The vineyard is split into two plots, named Elsa and Hilda, after the mothers of the vineyard owners (giving the vineyard its distinctive name). Planted with a combination of 300 and 174 clones on hillside slopes, the grapes get plenty of hang time to develop their flavors. The vineyard follows organic practices and is farmed for low yields, generating complex, fruit-forward syrah grapes.


Food Pairing

The rich fruit and full body of this Syrah will complement pork roasts with sage, lamb chops with rosemary, and rib-eyes from the grill beautifully. A syrah reduction sauce with shallots over your steak would be very yummy as well.

Hope you enjoy it as much we had in making it.

Thanks, Bettina

Yes, life isn't always work, work, work.

During the winter season, with vineyards dormant, our wines aging nicely in barrel, the 3 fish do get out sometimes and we enjoy our ski season alot. well, at least 2 of the fishes. (middle one doesn't like cold weather at all, oh well, we hold out hope, she's still young)

we're lucky to have a home we rent in the Tahoe area for the entire ski season. For those who also enjoy the slopes up in the North Shore, pls. visit the following great apres ski bars and restaurants. Plumpjack's Cafe @ Squaw Valley, Balboa Cafe @ Squaw Valley, Bar of America in Truckee, Sol y Lago Restaurant in Tahoe City. order a bottle or 2 of San Sakana and enjoy.

Seriously, our vineyard management work and cellar work is gearing up to higher gear starting now. We are making final blending decisions on our 2006 Viogniers, topping off all of our 2006 Syrah's and Mourvedres and Petite Syrah's in barrels and we head out to El Dorado county in a few weeks to visit some Grenache & Syrah vineyards.

I'll send a post from the road soon.

Thanks - Bettina the ski bunny