2021Stoneridge x Thunderstone Syrah
2021Stoneridge x Thunderstone Syrah
The 2021 Single Barrel Stoneridge x Thunderstone Syrah is comprised of near equal parts Stoneridge and Thunderstone vineyards. Stoneridge and Thunderstone vineyards sit on the lower elevation half of the Royal Slope AVA and create intriguing wines with equal parts fruit and non-fruit. During bloom, the clusters sustained much shatter, due to difficult weather conditions. Many varietals lagged in flavor, despite very low yields as a result of the heat dome event. Some strategies for growers to prevail during the heat event of June included leaving greater canopy cover over the clusters and continuously drip irrigating the soil. The result of these efforts was a very healthy crop, despite the low yields-demonstrating how resilient the vines were under intense stress. The winemaking team elected to push ripening at many of these sites well into October before harvesting this Syrah, allowing the fall diurnal shifts into cool nights to preserve a sense of freshness in the wines while continuing flavor development. The fruit arrived to the winery in pristine condition after being hand-harvested and hand-sorted in the early fall mornings of 2021.
The Stoneridge x Thunderstone Syrah is inky-dark garnet in the glass. Aromas of black and blue fruits and cracked pepper are supported by orange blossom and game meat notes. The medium-bodied palate is lithe with beautifully resolved, silky tannins. The flavors of smoky cherry, salted chocolate, light roast coffee and iron are super complex. The mouthwatering finish is long with a mineral tension and wild mountain blackberry.
Awards & Accolades
"The brilliant 2021 Single Barrel ‘Stoneridge and Thunderstone’ Syrah comes from these two sites in the Royal Slope AVA. Wet stone, garrigue, anise and dense dark fruits mark the nose. The palate shows a soft texture with good weight and underlying finesse. Blood orange zest, cigar box, black cherry and boysenberry fruits combine with the stony undertones on the palate. Beautiful to consume now, this will live on for at least another decade."
- 95 Owen Bargreen, owenbargreen.com