Talley Vineyards Estate Grown Syrah 2022
(Arroyo Grande Valley, California)

Notes from the Winemaker:

Grown on the western hillside of the Rincon Vineyard, just outside our tasting room, our Syrah is always the last fruit to come in—often so late that we’re processing it around Thanksgiving. But good things come to those who wait, and Syrah is always worth the wait. In 2022, however, Mother Nature surprised us with an earlier-than-usual harvest thanks to steady, mild conditions throughout the growing season.

These Syrah vines are among the youngest at Talley Vineyards, still developing and finding their true character. But even in their youth, they showcase the rugged beauty of cool-climate Syrah—more structured and savory than its warmer-climate counterparts. We embrace its boldness with at least 50% whole-cluster fermentation, a technique Syrah handles beautifully, adding layers of spice and complexity. With its thick skins and hearty nature, this wine demands foot-stomping every day—a hands-on labor of love that shapes its distinctive character.

SIP certified sustainably grown grapes were fermented with native yeasts in open top fermenters, 60% was whole cluster and macerated for 30 days on skins. The wine aged in neutral French oak barrels for 14 months and was bottled in February of 2024 without filtration and is vegan.

Aromas of blueberry, cardamom and exhaust lead to flavors of dried raspberries, nutmeg and meat. The finish has finessed tannins. Try this wine with barbecued ribs or Point Reyes blue cheese.

Ratings & Reviews:

92 Points - The Wine Independent (2021):
"The 2021 Estate Grown Syrah was made using around 10% stems. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts with bold notes of blackberry preserves, baked plums, black pepper, and licorice, plus hints of tar and garrigue. The medium-bodied palate has a wonderful backbone of freshness and soft, rounded tannins supporting the vibrant black berry flavors, finishing long and savory." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Oct 2024)