We’ve been making Syrah as a varietal wine since 1993, and have worked with Syrah grapes from eleven different vineyards during that time. Along the way, we’ve learned a lot about the best vineyard conditions and winemaking techniques for Syrah. When Bruce and Judy England purchased the “Old Walker Place” next door to our vineyard they approached us with a proposal to grow Merlot for us. We countered with a request for Syrah, with the belief that the combination of soils and climate was ideal for high quality Syrah. Peter had major input on clonal selections, rootstocks, vine spacing and trellis system, and co-manages the vineyard with Bruce. Our vineyard foreman, Jose Mendoza, does all the pruning and is in charge of all cultural practices. Englandcrest Vineyard provided two thirds of the fruit for our wonderful 2002 Syrah, and beginning with the 2003 vintage has been bottled separately, as a vineyard designate. 

Wellington 2009 Syrah, England Crest, Sonoma Valley 750ml 3-Pack

There is lots of blackberry and cassis (blackcurrant) fruit, and the unmistakable smoky-gamy-bacony Syrah signature. Notes of violets, molasses, coffee and cinnamon add to the intrigue. It has a big rich entry with some chewy tannins, lots of ripe fruit and an intense full throttle finish. This Syrah will benefit the most from aging, and it almost demands decanting and aeration for maximum enjoyment right now.

• Gold Medal, Sonoma County Harvest Fair 2013 

Wellington 2010 Syrah, England Crest, Sonoma Valley 750ml 3-Pack

Aromas of blackberry and cassis, with notes of coffee, cinnamon and caramel and the unmistakable smoky-gamy-bacony Syrah signature.  The entry is rich and plush and the finish long with some lingering tannin.