2005-10-06
WINE OF THE WEEK
Landmark Vineyards 2003 Steel Plow Syrah
With each vintage, the El Farolito vineyard vines gain stature and the fruit quality improves. The 2003 vintage was somewhat marred by cool spring conditions and losses due to frost, but the depth and pungency of the fruit that was harvested made a densely packed wine. The four clonal selections in this organically farmed, hillside vineyard are: Durell, Alban, Bien Nacido and Syrah Noir.
Each load of hand-harvested fruit is sorted before destemming and fermentation in open-topped fermenters. After pressing out, the wine is aged in French oak, 40% new and the balance one-and two-year-old barrels. A racking in the spring and again in the fall, following the next vintage harvest, is the only wine-making that takes place. Syrah tends to evolve slowly, and long-ageing potential is evidenced by the marked improvement the wine shows after a couple of days in a partially consumed bottle.
Dark plum, peach and black raspberry fruit mingle with roast coffee bean, chamois and vanilla, in the complex flavor and aroma profile of this intense wine. It will continue to evolve in the bottle for many years to come. The ultra fine tannin structure, fruit and acidity of this Syrah will enhance hearty red meat dishes such as pot roast or other braised meats and roasts, think root vegetables, and long slow, cooking.
Michael and Mary Coihoun, the owners of Landmark Vineyards, follow a long family tradition of farming and agriculture. Michael’s great-great-great grandfather was John Deere, inventor of the first steel plow, who was also the founder of one of the world’s largest farm equipment manufacturing companies.
Landmark’s mission is “to make great wines that enhance the joy of life.”
While the variation of the wines from vintage to vintage can be dramatic or subtle, the crafting of each year’s wine is guided by a single overriding philosophy at Landmark: “less is more.” According to Winemaker, Eric Stern, “The less the wine is manipulated, the more flavors and aromas remain for the consumer to enjoy.”
Landmark is best known for award-winning Chardonnays - Overlook and Damaris. However the Pinot Noir program, though relatively new and limited in production, has already achieved premier status. The first Syrah, appropriately named “Steel Plow,” was released in 2003.
Landmark Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery located at 101 Adobe Canyon Road at Highway 12 in Kenwood, California 95452. Retail sales and tasting daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bocce ccourt, horse-drawn wagon tours in the vineyards and cottage for overnight rental are available. Visit www.landmarkwine.com, call (707) 833-0053 or 1-800- 452-6365 for more information.
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