2022 / Willow Creek District Syzygy

Aromas of briary raspberry, warm red plum and toasted oak show trailing suggestions of sandalwood and earthy loam. The palate is broad, expansive and energetic, flooding the mouth with fresh acidity and impeccable weight. Flavors cherry, blueberry, sweet tobacco and mocha are accented by vanilla, Provençale herbs and peppercorn spices, while the finish strikes a perfect balance of restraint and power.

The 2022 Syzygy was painstakingly curated with organic farming practices, small-batch winemaking and a reverence for site expression

A blend of Decemil’s Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre blocks
Calcareous limestone and clay loam
Elevation range of 1,015 to 1,300 feet
12 miles from the Pacific Ocean
Organically farmed vines

Vinification

A carefully crafted classic Grenache-forward GSM blend in a Chateauneuf du Pape style
Riper Grenache fruit provided structure and abundant red berry flavors to complement the darker fruit and peppery flavors of the Syrah and the freshness of a less ripe Mourvèdre
Blended at the 6-month mark of varietal aging
Returned to barrels for 10 additional months of maturation
Aged for a total of 16 months in an average of 26% new oak

Analysis

Alc. 15.8%
TA .59
PH 3.42
Cases 128

2022 Willow Creek district Syrah

Tasting
Notes

The 2022 Syzygy is a blend of three Rhône varieties in perfect alignment— Grenache (55%), Syrah (25%) and Mourvèdre (20%). Aromas of briary raspberry, warm red plum and toasted oak show trailing suggestions of sandalwood and earthy loam. The palate is broad, expansive and energetic, flooding the mouth with fresh acidity and impeccable weight. Flavors cherry, blueberry, sweet tobacco and mocha are accented by vanilla, Provençale herbs and peppercorn spices, while the finish strikes a perfect balance of restraint and power.

Reviews, Kind Words &

Accolades

Cherry liqueur aromas join sarsaparilla and cola on the nose of this blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre. Mace, cinnamon and vanilla spices give depth to the baked plum and berry flavors of the dark and rich palate.

—93 points, Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast / April 2025

The 2022 Syzygy is a GSM blend that slowly opens to reveal a mentholated freshness. Notes of blackberry mix with dusty rose, dried strawberries and hints of black tea. This is silky smooth, gaining tension through a core of zesty acidity as tart wild berry fruits saturate. Violet inner florals resonate as the 2022 tapers off with a tart licorice tinge that puckers the cheeks.

Nicely done.

—94 points, Eric Guido, Vinous / December 2024

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