Language of Yes Syrah Santa Maria Valley 2020
Randall Grahm's 'The Language of Yes' Santa Maria Valley Syrah is a co-ferment of Syrah with a discreet percentage of Viognier, reminiscent of the wines of St. Joseph in the Northern Rhône. The gentlest techniques were used to coax out complexity, such as ‘en passerillage’; the post-harvest drying of the grapes. They were placed on paper raisin trees in the shade of the vine itself, which allowed for a slight dehydration and concentration of the grapes. Co-fermentation of the Syrah and Viognier grapes took place in stainless steel with 50% whole clusters, which slowly released the grape sugar into the fermenting must, creating a much slower and more controlled fermentation. This clean fermentation is called ‘reductive élevage’; it protects the fruit and freshness of a wine as it ages. The wine was aged for 12 months in used barriques and bottled without fining or filtration. A deliciously complex Syrah, marked by its lively acidity and layers of vivid pepperiness, black olive, violets, liquorice and white flowers. Smooth and textured with a long finish.
