I dig delicious wine that is produced from vineyards that cultivate biodiversity. I’m not necessarily impressed when I see manicured vineyard rows that are void of weeds and other vegetation. I am much more interested in vines in the context of their natural surroundings—wildflowers, yellow mustard, careful cover crops, fluttering hummingbirds, buzzing bees, whimsical dragonflies, and chickadees. And while organic and biodynamic viticulture and winemaking are not requirements for my purse strings to loosen, I totally respect it, get it, and believe these techniques can translate to higher-quality wines. Lutte raisonée also resonates with me, as winemakers strike a balance between respecting and honoring the land with taking minimalistic measures only when necessary to ensure that vines thrive and produce exceptional fruit and juice in less-than-optimal vintage circumstances.
Eisold-Smith wines continue to knock the ball out of the park, as they listen to the vineyard for direction. This husband and wife team believes in lower grape yields and non-interventionist winemaking that naturally allows grapes to truly express themselves as individuals. Resulting wines are soulful and expressive, jumping from bottle to glass already knowing how to dance.
The 2015 Flooded Orchard Syrah was made with a splash of Viognier, co-fermented. Primary aromas and flavors included blackberry, cassis, candied red cherries, cracked black pepper, a whiff of terragon, and vase of lavender and roses. Tertiary notes included rust-colored clay. This wine was dry, with medium acidity, high alcohol, medium (+) aroma and flavor intensity, medium (+) body, and medium (-) tannins. The finish was medium (+).
Grab a bottle of this Syrah, put up your feet, and savor your sips!
