> Venge 2007 Muhlner Steps Vineyard Syrah
Venge 2007 Muhlner Steps Vineyard Syrah
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True to its nature, the 2007 delivers stoic poise and posture. Styled after the Northern Rhone Syrahs of Cote Roti, the nose of this wine is a complex arrangement of crushed herbs, flint, barrel vanillin, camphor, black berry and espresso bean. And of course it wouldn’t be Muhlner Syrah without those exotic evening campfire notes. The palate lays down serious Syrah characteristics of wild blackberry fruit, minerals, heavy toast barrel and cured meats. This is a fascinating wine and I love to make it. The future of this bottling has me thinking it will survive well for 10 to 15 years or more.
- Kirk Venge, Proprietor & Winemaker
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Detailed Wine Information
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| Alcohol: | 15% |
| Appellation: | Napa Valley |
| Sub-Appellation: | Napa Valley |
| Bottling Date: | September 10, 2009 |
| Harvest Notes: | Located in the steep eastern mountains of Chiles Valley, in Napa Valley, is the Muhlner Vineyard. The vineyard’s proprietors, John and Jennifer Muhlner, planted their vines in 1999 under the direction of local vineyard manager David Rose. The result is a wonderful marriage where the right varietal and rootstock is planted in the right sight. The vineyard consists of carved, steep terraces like a staircase up to their hilltop home that faces west. 2007 ripened and picked out perfectly. The vineyard was 8 years old for this vintage and well rooted for long hang-time. The fruit was hand harvested on October 5th. Mere numbers aren’t enough to determine when to harvest. The decision relies ultimately in the flavors and they came together seamlessly.
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| Special Designation: | Muhlner Steps Vineyard |
| Varietal: | 98% Syrah, 2% Viognier |
| Vineyard Notes: | 98% Muhlner Steps Vineyard Syrah; 2% Baranek Vineyard Viognier |
| Vintage Notes: | The grapes were handpicked early and cool in the morning, then immediately whole berry destemmed, given a five day cold soak and fermented in tank for 15 days. The grape pomace was lightly pressed as not to yield too much tannin into the overall blend. Combined, the small volume of wine was allowed to settle for three days prior to going to barrel. The barrel program was 100% French Oak with 60% of that as new Francois Fereres from the tight grained Voges forest. Indigenous malolactic bacteria were encouraged to thrive during the secondary fermentation. |
| Winemakers Notes: | Winemaker - Kirk Venge; 375 Cases produced |
| Year: | 2007 |
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