Sharing information on Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden’s new release, their 2019 Reserve Syrah.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cowhorn
Vineyard & Garden is a 117-acre, Demeter-certified Biodynamic and woman-owned vineyard and farm producing quality wines and growing grapes and other crops through uniquely sustainable and holistic methods. The winery, co-owned by Mini Byers, is located in southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley, champions biodiversity and considers all aspects of the agricultural ecosystems throughout the winemaking process.
Cowhorn’s Reserve Syrah was created during a classic 2019 growing season at the winery, which began with fairly normal temperature and precipitation patterns. Strong spring vine growth encouraged healthy flowering, which happened right on time. July and August temperatures were steady, contributing to phenolics trending toward the elegant end of the spectrum. September brought cooler temperatures and rain, helping produce fruit with fresher aromas and brighter acidity, while ensuring adequate time for ripening tannins.
Described as a wine with an appealing confidence by Cowhorn Winemaker Vince Vidrine, the 2019 Reserve Syrah is filled with notes of sweet summer cherries, black raspberries and blueberry tart, along with lilac, fine leather and sentiments of coastal forest duff. The mouthfeel is replete with texture, providing something like a high-walled corridor of fine tannins leading into a lush, lively and deliciously impactful finish.
Compared to the 2019 Syrah, Vince says:
“Both the 2019 Syrah and 2019 Reserve Syrah are honest representations of the same vintage and vineyard, with sturdy graceful tannins and a thoughtful interplay between fruit, spice and herbal aromas. The differences, though, allow us to present the variations of geology, soil, sun and airflow with the site. While the Syrah highlights the brighter and more playful expression of the variety at Cowhorn, the Reserve shows off the more brooding, darker and ultimately more concentrated side of Syrah.”
Cowhorn 2019 Reserve Syrah Specifications:
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APPELLATION |
MALOLACTIC FERM Yes |
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VARIETAL COMPOSITION |
DATE BOTTLED August, 2021 |
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HARVEST DATE |
ALCOHOL 14.0% |
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HARVEST DATA Brix: 20.4-22.3 TA: 5.7-6.4 |
PRODUCTION 165 Cases |
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VINEYARD SOURCE |
SUGGESTED RETAIL $75 / 750ml bottle |
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CELLAR TREATMENT Biodynamic |
CERTIFICATIONS Demeter Certified |
The 2019 Reserve Syrah, along with other wines from the vineyard, is available online for nationwide shipping as well as for enjoyment in their LEED-certified tasting room on property.
Tasting room guests can enjoy a wine tasting flight or a pairing menu complete with Cowhorn wines and wood-fired pizzas made with seasonal, organic produce grown onsite. The April menu includes Cowhorn’s 2022 Spiral, 2022 Marsanne Roussanne, 2020 Grenache and 2019 Estate Syrah, which on weekends can be paired with wood-fired pizzas including the Rosa – tomato sauce, basil, ricotta, fior di latte & parmesan, the Bianca – asparagus, preserved lemon, ricotta & mozzarella and the Fungi – foraged wild mushrooms, kale & goat cheese. A Reserve flight will be available this summer. Tastings are available by appointment Thursday through Sunday from 12pm until 5pm.
1665 Eastside Rd
Jacksonville, OR 97530
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/cowhornwine