The 2001 Echelon Vineyards Syrah is grown at Esperanza Vineyard in the Sacramento Delta where the moderately warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to develop at an even pace and ripen early in the fall. In 2001 a late frost reduced the tonnage in our vineyards but increased flavor concentration. All of the grapes in this blend reached thorough ripeness and were of excellent quality. Echelon Syrah includes a blend of other Rhône varietals, which is traditional in southern Rhône. In 2001, we co-fermented Syrah with Viognier, then blended in small amounts of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Alicante during aging.

Tasting notes

big wine with a dark ruby color displaying aromas of blueberry, plum and spice with toasty oak. This is a gutsy wine with full body, flavor and mouthfeel. We`ve found that decanting the wine helps open up the fruit aromas. While ready to drink now, three to five years of bottle aging will reward your patience.

Technical notes

VINTAGE 2001 APPELLATION Clarksburg, Esperanza Vineyard VARIETAL COMPOSITION 81% Syrah 4% Alicante 7% Grenache 3%Mourvèdre 5% Viognier BARREL AGING 10 Months 90% French Barrels & 10% American Barrels 30% New Oak & Medium Toast Level RELEASE DATE June 2003 OPTIMUM TIME FOR CONSUMPTION 2003–2007 PRODUCTION STATISTICS Harvest Dates 08/24/01–09/18/01 Bottling Dates 10/04/02–10/16/02 Sugar at Harvest 24.2° Brix Wine pH 3.66 Wine Acidity 6.8 GM/LTR. Alcohol 13.6% Case Production 25,600

Food pairing

Serve with hearty roasted meats, summertime barbecues, soft cheeses or pasta with rich sauces.