Winemaker Ross Rankin has proved himself a patient man. This wine project began in 2007. Every year he tasted, considered the flavors, decided not to bottle. Finally, the flavors he desired were there. He bottled and has now released his 2007 Winged Paradise Mountain Syrah. Finally it is available for all of us to try. We were fortunate to received a sample bottle and participate in the Release Party via Twitter and #winechat.
Ross and his wife Lyn Dee and a group of investor-friends began Imagine Wine in 2004, though Ross began making wine several years before that at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Ross and Lyn Dee chose the Santa Ynez Valley because of the warm climate and varied soils. It’s a winemaker’s delight.
Paradise Road Vineyard, called Paradise Mountain Vineyard by the Rankins because that sounds more “romantic” to them, is the source of the Syrah. This well-known vineyard is located inland in the warm Santa Ynez Valley. The soil is rich in iron, but poor in other nutrients and the Syrah and Viognier planted here produce small clusters of tiny grapes with concentrated flavors. The 2007 Winged Paradise Mountain Syrah is 100% Syrah from the Paradise Mountain Vineyard.
Ross picked the Syrah when he perceived the peak ripeness and flavor, at 26 – 27 degrees Brix. The grapes were de-stemmed, but not crushed. Cold soak followed for 24-48 hours, acidulated water was added (5% by volume of the must). Fermentation began slowly, very little yeast was added and temperature held to the low 60s. It was closely monitored.
This wine has spent an amazing 65 months in a oak. Through experience, Ross knows that 30 – 40% new oak produces the flavors he prefers in Syrah from this vineyard. 70% French from Marchive and Alliers, 25% Hungarian, and 5% American oak was used.
One more thing before we get to the wine itself — the story behind the 2007 Winged Paradise Mountain Syrah label. This unique and artful label is inspired by the work of stone sculptor Blake Rankin, the Rankins’ son. The original piece, Wing Series #2, was sculpted from Carrera marble by Blake in his Santa Barbara studio. The image is printed directly on the wine bottle, as is the information on the back of the bottle. There is no paper label to distract from the image. It is an elegant presentation.
Finally, the wine… 2007 Winged Paradise Mountain Syrah ($80) is inky dark ruby in the glass. Scents and flavors of ripe plums, blackberries and blueberries combine with spice and vanilla. Tannins are substantial, but not out of balance. This wine has a mouthful of flavor and texture — lots of fruit flavor and of course a significant wood influence. You will notice a juicy acidity as well.
Ross advised us to open the Winged Syrah half-an-hour before drinking. It could easily have been opened an hour before (or decanted). The wine continued to evolve in the glass, releasing more aromas and flavors over time.
This wine cries out for a grilled ribeye steak. It has plenty of flavor to stand up to the grilled flavors and substantial acidity to cut through the fattiness of a ribeye. My mouth waters just thinking about the combination.
If you are looking for that special occasion wine, or one to store away for a while, you might consider the 2007 Winged Paradise Mountain Syrah. Ross expects this wine to age gracefully over the next 10-12 years. This is a Limited Edition wine, only 246 cases were produced.
As I mentioned, we tasted this wine as part of #winechat (sponsored by Protocol Wine Studio), in conjunction with the Once in A Generation: 07 Winged Paradise Mountain Syrah Release Party & Celebration held October 11, 2013 at Imagine Wine Tasting Room and Art Gallery.
The Release Party did not kick-off until 7 pm. In order to keep us from sampling the Syrah before the beginning of the party, Ross and Lyn Dee very generously included a bottle of Imagine 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. This delicious wine did the trick.
For the first time, as part of #winechat, we also used Skype to watch the event at the Tasting Room. The discussion on both Skype and Twitter was lively. Thank you to Ross and Lyn Dee for producing and sharing this special wine with us, and to Protocol Wine Studio for getting all of us together.
Cheers!
