COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2022
GRAPE
Syrah
PRODUCER
Spear Vineyards & Winery
REGION
California
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Spear Vineyards & Winery is the passion project of proprietor and vigneron Ofer Shepher, whose agricultural roots were shaped during childhood summers on a kibbutz in Israel. After studying winemaking at UC Davis, Shepher spent years searching for the perfect cold-climate terroir before establishing the Spear estate in 2014. Located in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills, the estate is farmed organically. The winery's tasting room is a striking architectural space built within the historic footprint of an original 1920s dairy barn. Block 19 represents the pinnacle of their estate-grown red wine portfolio, situated on a steep, wind-swept peak that rises to 900 feet above sea level. This specific block is planted to Clone 383, which is highly prized for producing deeply colored, structural, and savory cool-climate Syrah.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
€70
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
16-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
The winery's tasting room is built within the historic footprint of an original 1920s dairy barn.
Fact 02
Block 19 is located on one of the highest planted peaks in the Sta. Rita Hills, reaching 900 feet.
Fact 03
This reserve micro-cuvée is extremely limited, with only 48 cases produced for the entire 2022 vintage.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking process for the Block 19 Syrah is designed to highlight the unique characteristics of this high-elevation site. The grapes are harvested by hand from the steep slopes of Block 19, which feature Botella clay loam soils. In the cellar, the fruit undergoes 100% whole cluster fermentation, utilizing native and indigenous yeasts under low-intervention protocols. This technique of fermenting with intact stems contributes significant structural tannin, spice, and freshness to the wine. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, focusing on neutral wood to preserve the primary block and soil characteristics. The production is extremely limited, with only 48 cases crafted for this reserve micro-cuvée.
