South Ridge

Paso Robles saw a fourth consecutive year of low rainfall in 2015. The dry conditions mirrored the extreme climatic trends seen across the entire state of California. Budbreak was early, as is typical in dry years, with vines coming out of dormancy in mid-March. Good growing conditions in April brought rapid shoot growth and were followed by an unusually cold period in early May that reduced Syrah crop yields by roughly 25% due to shatter. This lighter crop ripened readily, with the earliest pick on our warmest site occuring on August 27th. The cooler sites in this blend matured in mid-September and on into early October. The young wines showed explosive fruit and concentration. A quarter of the blend underwent malolactic fermentation in new oak barrels which helps to integrate the overall oak influence and contributes an impression of roasted coffee on the palate. The 2015 South Ridge Syrah is a testament to the unique quality of Rhône varietals grown in Paso Robles.