Working with a wind-protected site for cool climate Syrah is definitely a balancing act. It is very easy to blow through the ripening curve and lose the peppery and gamy nuances that are desired. It is equally easy to pick before the requisite expression of fruit has come forward. This site has a unique terroir that yields fascinatingly complex wines, if one is paying careful attention. Making this wine was a magical experience, with the purity of the fruit, the Viognier addition, and the level of spice falling just perfectly into place.
The 2004 "Les Violettes" Syrah has an intriguing floral aroma and very pure flavors of black currents and wild raspberries. Elegant in body and long on the palate, classic notes of white pepper and licorice add complexity and authenticity to the fruit. A splash of vanillin from the barrels and a silky mouthfeel completes this California version of a modern Côte Rôtie.