2013 Clarke Vineyard Syrah

The Clarke Vineyard in American Canyon has a cool breezy climate that brings out the depth and finesse of the Syrah grape. Clone 877 is used for body and raspberry chocolate fruit, and a little Clone 383 for extra color and smoky complexity. A small amount of Viognier as co-fermented with the Syrah to add its exotic appeal. 2013 was a lovely moderate year, with morning fog and breezy warm afternoons throughout the summer. Big fruit and a soft palate characterize the Syrah from Clarke and there is a show-stealing charm that it casts every time a bottle is opened. The Clarke Syrah has a clean and fruity nose, with boysenberry, fig, and hints of mescal and vanilla crème soda. The palate has ripe plum and boysenberry flavors with a vanilla caramel finish, and the mid palate will benefit from time spent in the bottle to help smooth some of the rough edges.