California Wines - Napa Valley
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Artisan Wine Company Harvest Syrah, Napa Valley 1998 by Artisan Wines In our 1998 Napa Syrah we have blended approximately 11% Napa Cabernet sauvignon. The lots were fermented separately and blended before bottling. The Syrah was grown in vineyards in Pope Valley, which is the slightly warmer valley that lies just over the eastern hills from Napa Valley, an excellent climate for Syrah. The Cabernet sauvignon comes from the hillside vineyards of Chappelet winery which is located in Chiles valley, a tributary to Napa Valley in the eastern mountains just off the Napa Valley. The wine is unfiltered and was bottled 8 February 2000. Two hundred and ninety nine cases were produced. Wine Facts: Alcohol - 14.1%   pH - 3.87   Total Acidity - .56 Artisan Winemaker Notes: Medium deep red color with the look of black cherry juice. In the nose I found bright vanilla, cherry aromas along with deep ripe berry fruit and coffee notes. The overall impression was one of full , ripe, broad fruit character with attractive rich berry aromas. The aromas are quite expansive, filling the glass and the room after the wine has been open a while. On the palate: soft, rich and slightly angular with incredible concentration and palate fullness and "grip". Hints of coffee, leather and a mint freshness are apparent in the rich, ripe fruit flavors. Good acidity underpinning add to the impression of a well structured wine. There are light tannins, well balanced to the fruit. The finish is lingering, slightly tarry with bright berry fruit. Overall impression: Concentration, depth, complexity, nearly seemless creamy rich fruit. $16.99/bttl SORRY SOLD OUT