Marietta Estate Grown Syrah Gibson Block 2019, McDowell Valley, California

The Gibson Block is the heart of the McDowell Valley AVA. The head trained, dry farmed vines in this block are a field blend of some of the oldest Syrah, Grenache, and Petite Sirah in California and yield an aromatic powerhouse of sage, peppercorns, and black cherries. This unique wine brings new levels of density and depth. A touch of cedar and cigar box round out the nose while the seamless mouth balances the brightness of raspberry with bitter chocolate in a long lasting, tightly wound, and seductively clean progression. Every bit deep and dark yet lifted and inviting, this wine is as unique as the 130+ year old vines from which it comes. The 2019 Harvest brought another fantastic year of smooth weather with a slow paced, even growing season. Temperatures were a bit cooler than average, leading to picking a week or so later than typical norms. As per the recent Northern California pattern, fire showed up in late October adding to the stress of the season. However, our grapes were picked by then and the only added excitement was power outages and evacuations.