The 1999 Syrah was grown in our estate vineyard in Yountville. The vintage of 1999 was close to ideal, with warm dry weather in February that set the tone for the rest of the season. In July and August the theme was punctuated by brief but well-timed heat spells that helped ripen the fruit. Although the yield was somewhat less than normal, the sunny and mild conditions at harvest assured sound, healthy fruit with fully developed Syrah flavors.

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 1999 Syrah was harvested the moment the grapes reached full flavor ripeness and tannin maturity. It was then destemmed and fermented in open-top vats with frequent manual punch-down of the cap for optimal extraction of flavor and color. Sixty percent of the barrels were new, a proportion that adds just the right seasoning of toasty oak, yet allows the full expression of the wonderfully intense Syrah fruit character to shine through.

The 1999 Rocca Family Vineyards Yountville Syrah is big and opulent, with loads of dark cherry and blueberry tones, and deep perfumed, woodsy aromas. The complex, satisfying palate of sweet smoked meats, tobacco and wild, juicy fruit flavors is classically Syrah. And the soft velvety texture lasts and lasts.

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