By Duane Pemberton
Winery website: www.crystalbasin.com
I’ve been saying for years now that the Sierra Foothills area of California has a very good potential for being the next well-known area for producing world-class cool-climate wines. Crystal Basin has been doing just that and this 2009 Syrah makes a great case for the values coming out of that area.
Technical Data:
- Varietals and Sources: BushBrothers Sumu-Kaw Vineyard, El Dorado County
- Harvest Date: 4 Different Clonal Lots: Sept 24, 2009 / Oct 3, 2009 / Oct 9, 2009 / Oct 10, 2009
- Brix at Harvest: 26.5 to 27.5
- Time in Barrel: 18 months
- Type of Oak: Neutral French & American
- Alcohol: 15.5%
- Bottled: April 21, 2011
- Production: 311 cases
- Price: $22
Nose: Blueberry, pie crust, spice, “boo-berry” cereal, plums, pepper, black licorice,
Taste: Very nice combination of blueberry compot, spiced blackberry, hoysen sauce, peppercorns, leather, mexican chocolate and jerky. Solid mid palate that displays a stellar combo of acid, tannin and fruit. The finish begs for lamb, game or duck.
