Neal Family Petite Syrah

August 3 2016 – in one review of the 2011 vintage in napa valley a fellow winemaker used four descriptors to summarize the year: elegance structure balance and limited production. To have wines that match the first three required diligent farming practices and patience in the winery. Mother nature determined the limited production. The cool 2011 growing season resulted in wines that are somewhat atypical of the style the we have produced in the past – these wines are lower in alcohol and tannins yet still structured balanced and very age-worthy. The 2011 petite syrah is a perfect example of those characters. Aromas of blueberries fig and smoked bacon create an intense bouquet. Additional caramelized sugar and vanilla flavors generate the sensation that this is a wine with residual sugar but it has none. A mouthful of flavors including cherries olives white pepper and tannin fill the palate with a broad richly textured character that shows wonderful drinking now great