G17 Syrah

Winemaker

Sam Smith

Appellation

Santa Lucia Highlands

Varieties

Syrah (Shiraz)

Viticulture

The 2019 vintage commenced with bud break in late March, after a cold February and yearly precipitation 16% above average. Though the growing season began 10 days late, slightly warmer than average temperatures starting in April helped the vines catch up. A rain event in May gave the vines an extra drink, though also increasing mildew concerns. The warm temperatures helped to achieve wines with great phenolic, acid, and flavor balance.

Terroir

G17 is a blend of 86% Syrah, 10% Grenache, and 4% Tempranillo sourced primarily from the Santa Lucia Highlands Appellation of Monterey County. Soils are arroyo seco and placentia loams (granitic). Cloudy mornings, mid-day sunshine with strong winds, and evening fog create a cool Region I type climate. The long growing season allows for gentle ripening, creating intense flavors with balanced acidity. The name “G17” refers to one of Monterey County's best-known route, linking several of our grape growing appellations.

Ratings & Reviews

Vineyard

The 65 acre property of Morgan Winery is on a southeastern facing "bench" of the Santa Lucia mountain range, sloping from 150" to 550' elevation and the vines are 18 years old on average. Prior to purchase in 1996, the ranch was used for cattle grazing and row crop production (sugar beets, dry beans). At the time of purchase, the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA had very recently been established and was relatively unknown. The soils on the ranch were weak, depleted of nutrients; Dan's interest in responsible farming led to the Double L's organic certification in 2001. The vineyard now holds both sustainability and organic certifications

Vinification

The wine was fermented in open top tanks and received daily punch-downs. This enabled optimal extraction and structure development, while maintaining elegant yet chalky tannins.

Aging

After fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels. The 18% new oak gives the wine subtle spice and vanilla characters, without overpowering the elegant fruit profile.

Features

Cork

Available Sizes (L)

0.750