Marietta Cellars

Gibson Block Syrah 2018

McDowell Valley, California

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Made from the oldest Syrah vines in California, in the heart of the McDowell Valley AVA, this wine reflects the hidden property where it is grown – quiet, obscure and profound. This ancient, dry farmed, mixed block next to the original Gibson Homestead has been producing grapes for over a hundred years. Limited in production due to the unique grape source, this wine is built to enjoy with food.

The estate series from Marietta is made with terroir in mind above all else. For many years these sites were included in blends, though they routinely stood out as extraordinary. These wines are true expressions of unique sites, crafted with freshness, tension and longevity in mind.

Vineyard

The fruit for this wine comes from Marietta’s McDowell Valley estate, which is renowned for Rhône varietals and home to some of the oldest Syrah and Grenache Gris in California. These unique vines are six feet tall, head-trained, and dry farmed. This vineyard, in a valley surrounded by mountains, benefits from cold gathering on the valley floor, which ensures cools nights and preserves acidity and freshness.

Winemaking

Fermented in stainless steel tanks and barrel aged in neutral French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling.

Vintage

The 2018 Harvest was a grower’s dream, but it was not without its exciting moments. Spring rains encouraged healthy roots and set up great canopies. The fruit set and cluster development were flawless. Then August and September clocked in as mild, even bordering on cool. The crop’s development potentially started stalling out, but the vines kept working and the first lovely, perfectly ripe fruit was harvested in September. Early October rains soaked the second half of the crop and elicited fears of rot and fruit loss as more storms lined up. Miraculously, the storms failed to materialize, providing a long, dry October and November with beautiful sunny days which slowly ripened the remaining crop. Long seasons like these allow early tannin maturation while the cool weather protects the acid…. all leading to developed, powerful tannins with bright acid at lower than typical brix.

Tasting Note

The Gibson Block is the heart of the McDowell Valley AVA. It is planted with some of the oldest Syrah and Grenache in California. This ancient, dry farmed mixed block next to the original Gibson Homestead has been producing grapes for over a hundred years. As a result of the vine age and miniscule yield, this wine is dark and intense. A heady mix of mulberry and lavender dominate the nose, with an edge of cinnamon stick. Broad, mouth-coating tannins are tethered to a core of smooth, sleek, powerful texture that is balanced by focused acid. Delicious with hearty fare now, and built to age.

Food Pairing

Pair with cured meats and ripe cheeses, or duck breast with sage and cherries

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Syrah

Appellation

McDowell Valley, California

Farming

The Gibson Block Syrah 2018 is made from 100% estate fruit, all of which is organically farmed

Alcohol

15.1%

Suggested Retail Price

$42

Reviews

"Bursts with juicy acidity"

Wine Advocate - June 8, 2021 "The 2018 Gibson Block Syrah comes from very old vines interplanted with other varieties like Grenache, Trousseau Noir and Mission. They are dry-farmed, picked together and co-fermented. It has a deep ruby-purple color and deep, layered aromas of tar, earth, blackcurrant liqueur, cast iron and dried violets. The full-bodied palate bursts with juicy acidity, sparks of Luxardo cherry and a silky, rounded mouthfeel. It finishes very long and perfumed." - E.B. 

"Reserved and focused"

James Suckling - July 20, 2021 "Blackberry, black-licorice and tar aromas follow through to a full body with round, soft tannins that are reserved and focused. Fresh finish. Rich and spicy at the end with a slight meatiness. " - J.S. 

Trade Materials

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