The 2003 vintage was marked by exceptionally high temperatures beginning in May and persisting through the summer months until harvest. Harvest began earlier than it had in ten years, and due to the above average temperatures during the growing season, produced smaller more concentrated, full-flavored grapes with delightful ripe fruit aromas.

Tasting notes

Color: Deep purple-to-black with violet accents. Bouquet: Aromas of blackberry and cassis with spicy overtones and subtle floral hints. Palate: Jammy core of blackberry with back notes of vibrant red fruit.

Wine maker notes

Our 2003 Red Bicyclette™ Syrah is grown in the Minervois and Maury appellations located in the Central and South Eastern parts of the Languedoc. The vineyards in this area benefit from both the warmth of the Mediterranean sun as well as the cooler temperatures characteristic of the hills found in this region. This favorable climate lengthens the grape maturation process yielding evenly ripened, highly concentrated, full-flavored grapes. The 2003 harvest produced syrah grapes characterized by deep berry fruit flavors, spicy aromas, mature tannins, and dark purple-to-black color. Red Bicyclette Syrah grapes were handpicked and cold soaked for four to five days. Fermentation took place on the skins in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures of 30 degrees C to ensure maximum fruit flavor and color intensity. After racking, the wine was left to complete its malolactic fermentation. Once fermented to dry, portions of the wine were aged in stainless steel tanks and in new American and French oak. Upon completion of aging, the components were selected, blended, then filtered and fined

Technical notes

Varietal Content: Syrah Varietal Origin: Minervois and Maury, France Titratable Acidity: 0 pH: 4 Alcohol Level: 13 Residual Sugar: 1

Food pairing

Lamb, Pasta, Cassoulet, Roasted Duck