Vineyard Summary Ambassador's Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley (estate) 20 acres planted in 1990 Deep mesa soils with superior drainage Balanced sun exposure for even ripening Chapoutier (Estrella River) clone Harvest Date October 6 Barrel Aging 17 months French oak (50% new) Varietal Composition Syrah 100% Final Analysis Alcohol by Volume 16% TA .68 pH 3.66 Total Production 1,400 cases

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TASTING NOTES

Our 2004 Syrah from Ambassador’s Vineyard begins with toasty aromas of black fruits with a hint of violets. Focused black cherry and blueberry flavors unfold with accents of white pepper, vanilla and mocha. Engaging notes of pomegranate and eucalyptus emerge on a firmly structured finish.

Winemaker Chuck Carlson

AMBASSADOR'S VINEYARD

Our estate Ambassador’s Vineyard was planted in 1990 as the cornerstone of our Syrah program. Here, Winemaker Chuck Carlson chose to plant the Chapoutier (a.k.a. Estrella River) clone, which offers rich black fruit and spice flavors for a classic Santa Barbara County Syrah profile. The vineyard is situated atop a broad, flat mesa with balanced sun exposure for even ripening. The ancient gravelly loam soil is deep and well-drained for excellent flavor concentration. The personality of Ambassador’s Vineyard is particularly evident in the wine’s distinctive accents of blueberry and white pepper.

WINEMAKING

The grapes were hand picked on October 6 after a steady growing season. The must was cold soaked for five days prior to fermentation to capture the fruit’s pure character and color. Fermentation was initiated with D254 yeast, a Rhône Valley strain that enhances mouthfeel and mid-palate richness. The pomace was pressed in a traditional wooden basket press to ensure gentle extraction while avoiding bitter seed or skin tannins. The wine was aged for 17 months in French oak barrels.

APPELLATION

Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley ranks among the world’s premier appellations for Syrah. Here, the varietal excels amid a balance of warm inland sunshine and cool marine breezes, resulting in long, steady ripening with fully defined flavors and excellent structure.