Located in Bennett Valley, the Judge Vineyard is meticulously cared for, with its owner/farmers Joe and Gail Judge living on the property. As one of our coolest Syrah sites, Judge Vineyard allows for ample hang time, increasing fruit concentration and providing the tannin that gives the Syrah its signature velvety mouthfeel. Hang time was especially long in 2018, as it was a very mild and calm growing season that didn’t push us to pick in a hurry. The fruit set was incredibly healthy and high, and rain was plentiful, so canopy management and dropping fruit were crucial in our Bennett Valley vineyards.

The Judge Vineyard lies in the most northwestern portion of Bennett Valley. The surrounding area is comprised of gravely loam, and larger rocks undulate across the land in swales and berms. Due to the cooler temperature, it is not uncommon for the nighttime fog to not recede to the coast until late morning. We pull fruit from three distinct blocks, each planted to a unique clone of Syrah. This mélange of Clone 877, Clone 174, and Estrella River Selection allows for vineyard-built-in complexity. Each clone is fermented and aged separately with a percentage of whole cluster and cooperage matched specifically to optimize the balance of flavor.

On the palate, it’s a flavorful surprise as the acidity rounds out the bold, spicy flavors. The finish is long, dense, and just as flavorful as the first sip. Like an iron fist in a velvet glove, this vintage of Judge Vineyard Syrah offers the perfect blend of fruit concentration and tannin structure.