With excellent harvest conditions and an overall perfect growing season, 2002 is widely viewed as a great vintage in Napa Valley. June was mild, a short heat wave in July, followed by temperatures in the mid 80’s to 90’s. Fairly leisurely ripening period through September allowing for excellent flavor development

Our winemaker, Celia Welch Masyczek believes that making great wine is at least 80% in the vineyard—a great vineyard site and impeccable vineyard management determine flavor, depth, and maturity. Celia determines the picking date more by taste than analysis. The 2002 Syrah was destemmed gently, without rollers, to provide the maximum number of whole berries. After a brief period of cold-soaking, it was fermented in an open top tank and punched down by hand three times each day until dry. After pressing, the young wine went directly to small French oak barrels (65% new, 45% used) for a total of 19 months of barrel age. Blended with just a touch of Estate Merlot and Estate Petite Sirah to provide complexity and structure, the 2002 Rocca Syrah was minimally filtered prior to bottling in May 2004.

The 2002 Syrah shows a wonderful array of aromas, with ripe red and black fruit balanced by hints of fresh herbs and white pepper. On the palate, the wine is lush and complex, displaying an exceptional balance of fruit and earth. Concentrated flavors of baked cherries and blackberries intermingle with classic Syrah flavors of savory spice and roasted meat. Its firm acidity, the result of our vineyard’s location, adds brightness and makes this Syrah an ideal pairing with meats and chesses.


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