To create each Platinum Collection wine we start in our vineyard by selecting individual rows of vines which consistently produce the finest grapes. These vines receive meticulous care at every stage from pruning to harvest. The same precise care is given to each wine during fermentation and aging. Six barrels were selected and blended to provide the absolute best expression of our estate Syrah.
Elegantly textured, with dense layers of dark fruit and a lush finish of plum and black cherry.
Our finest mountaintop block of Syrah (clone 470), with its amazingly dense, deep, rich flavor and inky color, is the foundation of this blend. To complete the “Platinum” Michel-Schlumberger experience, we have added two outstanding Syrah clones (1 and “Estrella River”) grown on our steeply terraced and benchland blocks. These components add layers of nuance, complexity and depth to this wine. A small amount of our Petite Sirah rounds out the mouthfeel and boosts the expression of Syrah.
Moderate temperatures with no appreciable rainfall throughout the ripening season allowed the grapes to fully develop exceptionally dense and concentrated flavors.
Harvest: September 13th to 20th, 2016
Fermentation: The grapes were crushed into small fermenters. After cold-soaking for three days to extract rich color, the must fermented on the skins for three weeks to obtain a richly extracted wine.
Cooperage / Aging: Aged for 22 months in finest “tight-grain” French oak barrels (50% new). Eight “best barrels” selected and blended for the optimum expression of flavor and structure for this wine.
Bottling Date: July 18, 2018
Production: 98 Cases
Color: Dark ruby
Aromas: Black cherry and dark plum
Palate: Elegant texture with a richly layered finish of black cherry and dark plum
Vintage: 2016
Wine Type: Platinum Collection Estate
Varietal: 95% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Estate
Acid: 0.56 g/100ml
pH: 3.89
Alcohol: 15.1%
