Syrah

Paso Robles experienced a dry winter in 2022. Overall, rainfall for the vintage was only 65% of the 25-year historical average in the region. Weather was quite cool during budbreak in the month of April, with a few nights briefly dipping below freezing. However, plenty of warm, sunny days followed from spring through completion of veraison in early August. An unprecedented 10-day heat wave occurred in early September that accelerated berry ripeness and Brix accumulation. Thankfully, unusually cool, cloudy weather and a little bit of drizzle came in September, bringing relief to parched grapevines. This respite recharged vines for the final push into the last weeks of harvest. Hand-picked from the steep slopes of Stairway, the fruit was fermented 50% whole-cluster to infuse peppery spice on the aroma and finish.