Description
Richards Family Vineyard is nestled in the Schultz Valley near Annadel State Park in Sonoma Valley. While generally perceived as a warmer region, this east-facing isolated parcel buttressed to the west by the Sonoma Mountains is surprisingly cool. The Richards Syrah has historically been the slowest wine to evolve in barrel and is best when the winemaker steps aside and lets the terroir do the heavy-lifting. The stress on the vines during the growing season has produced a wine intensely steeped in a sense-of-place, this small but majestic vineyard surrounded by verdant redwood trees.
The exceptional growing season of the 2012 vintage shapes the 2012 Richards Syrah. With great fruit set, balanced canopy, and slow, even ripening leaving little for a winemaker to desire. The aromatics remain fresh and youthful, yet below the surface lies mystery and complexity – herb encrusted lamb, graphite, freshly-cut lavender and cherry liqueur. The palate of the wine starts with such a distinct sensation, like the first spoonful of chocolate mousse, followed by a complex and structured mid-palate that cradles a very full and compelling finish.