2015 Outcast ‘Drifter’ Red Blend

A beautiful new world style Syrah with inviting tobacco, cedar and violet notes dominated by with strawberry and rasberry preserves rounded out by hints of clove and dried sage. Upon entry, ripe rasberries and red plums are complimented by hints of bay leaf, coriander, fennel and vanilla cola. The finish is velvety with long soft tannins. The grapes were picked at the peak of ripeness during the early morning hours to preserve maximum fruit expression. The fruit was then immediately sorted meticulously then crushed and sent to stainless cooled tanks to rest and soak prior to yeast innoculation for 4 days. The wines were fermented slowly over two weeks with a maximum temperature of 88°F to preserve the color and intense fruit aromas. A averaged total of 25 days on the skins. Aged in a blend of new and lightly seasoned French oak barrels for 21 months. Each varietal is constantly monitored to insure tannin balance is achieved. We use a mixture of several of the best cooperages including: Leroi, Nadalie, Gamba, Quintessence and Mercurey. 92% Syrah, 6% Petite Syrah, 2% Grenache. Winemaker: Brian Graham