Camatta Hills Vineyard, Reserve Syrah

Growing Region

Camatta Hills is a 600-acre vineyard planted across rolling hills near the town of Paso Robles on California's central coast. The vineyard is named for the decomposed limestone "Camatta" soil which runs down the center of the property and covers approximately 1/3 of the land. This soil is prized for producing small berries with great concentration of flavors and fine, dusty, silky tannins. The remainder of the vineyard is comprised of shallow clay soils overlaid with sand which drive roots horizontally to look for water. The stress put on these vines results in grapes that add a ripe, rounded tannin structure and depth of color to the finished wine.

In addition to unique soil, Camatta Hills Vineyard is also blessed with an ideal climate. Located in a valley protected by the Cuesta Ridge coastal range to the west, it enjoys warm to hot daytime temperatures offset by cooling Pacific Ocean breezes and maritime fog at night. This allows for a even ripening of the intensely-flavored fruit.

Vintage

The 2005 vintage began with dry and mild spring conditions which produced compact and perfectly even bunches. Things heated up during the months of July and August, but the diurnal temperature swings typical of this region allow for even ripening.

Winemaking

After de-stemming, the Syrah was given an extended cold soak in small open-top vessels. During fermentation the pump-overs were done by hand (three times daily) to gently extract flavor and color without drawing out the harsher tannins from the seeds. The wine was then pressed off the skins and racked into a combination of new (40%) and seasoned French oak barrels for a period of 22 months.

Winemaker's Notes

The 2005 Greg Norman Camatta Hills Vineyard, Reserve Syrah is deep crimson in color. Rich aromas of ripe blackberry and cassis are enhanced by notes of wood smoke and spice. The elegant palate has a jammy quality and exhibits flavors of mulberry, black cherry and cocoa with cedar-like oak characters evident on the back palate. The wine has a firm structure with a beautiful balance of flavor, mouthfeel and fine ripe tannin.

Technical Details

Appellation: Paso Robles, California
Vineyard Designation: Camatta Hills Vineyard
Varietal Composition: 100% Syrah
Alcohol: 15.2%
pH: 3.73
Total Acidity: 0.59 g/100ml
Harvest Date: October 2005
Bottle Date: September 2007

 

Ratings & Reviews

Wine Advocate
"This flattering, soft, luscious 2005 Syrah Reserve Camatta Hills offers intriguing, smoky, blackberry fruit as well as a hint of barbecue spice. Outstanding density and a succulent, chunky style results in a sensual, fruit-laden wine with plenty of Syrah character. It is meant to be enjoyed over the next 3-4 years." - Robert M. Parker, Jr.