2002 Besson Vineyard Syrah

Continuing our association with the Besson family, local grape growers now for three generations, this Syrah comes from a vineyard that was originally planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. Besson has discovered that our climate on the west side of the valley is really too cool to properly ripen Cabernet, so he’s decided to focus on Rhone and Burgundy grape varieties going forward. We could not agree with him more! This Syrah is medium dark ruby with purplish tints at the rim of the glass. Attractive aromas of plum and strawberry jam are framed by spicy notes of dill and black pepper. Flavors confirm the fruit promised in the aromas, and the wine finishes with a combination of soft tannins and smoky oak. Despite drinking well for a young Syrah, we think that the wine will gain complexity with another two-to-three years of bottle age.