2012 Barden Syrah

The BARDEN trade name is Doug Margerum's middle name and its old English meaning is “Lives near the boar's den” … thusly we have adorned the label with an image of the wild boar that is pervasive in our area’s vineyards.

Our Barden Syrah has aromas of dark berries and dried fruits coupled with a myriad of barrel complexities from maturation in half new Françoise Frères and half new Ermitage French oak barrels. There is certainly all the hallmarks of cold climate Syrah - bacon fat, rare roast beef, peppercorns (white, pink and black) with a rich mix of earthiness.

Very mouth coating and savory with an abundance of fruit, soft tannins, and plenty of pepper and spice. Balanced, firm, and polished – a wine that serves well with appropriate cuisine but will be at its best with some aging in a cool dark cellar.

Peak Drinking: 2018 - 2022  Wine Analysis:  Alcohol 13.3%.

Vineyard Region: Sta. Rita Hills

Vintage Conditions: 2012 was a good year for growers, as the yields were high and the quality was very good. Nice cool mild summer, low wind spring, so a great set. No rain, no frost, and no storms – amazingly. Summer arrived with little fog and perfect clear warm (not hot) days allowed for slow grape development retaining natural grape acidity resulting in low alcohol wines with rich concentrated varietal flavors.