Les Cotes de l'Ouest Syrah (The Hills of the West) is our popular entry-level Syrah. It is made from fruit grown (about 60% of the blend) at a superb vineyard site that is planted in the hills just west of the Amador County line, just a few miles from the Mokelumne River in Clements Hills (a new Lodi sub-appellation). Tight spacing, vertical trellising, and upward shoot positioning give the fruit maximum sun exposure to promote full flavor development. It is blended with our mountain Syrah (the remaining 40% of the blend) grown at several other sites. We find this wine is very forward and drinkable shortly after bottling, making it a great everyday Syrah, and perfect as a restaurant glass pour. This has beautiful color with rich, silky, wild raspberry fruit flavors laced with pepper, sage, tar, and olive/herb tones. Aromas are raspberry, smoky, wild gamey, peppery, and cinnamon. The wine has a clean purity of Syrah fruit that is reminiscent of many St. Joseph's and other Northern Rhone's.