Cowhorn Syrah, Applegate Valley 2022 (750 ml)

100% Syrah

After a cool, wet spring, the weather warmed in June, encouraging strong vine growth and a healthy yet late fruit set. Some heat in July ensured robust phenolic synthesis and mouthfeel development. Consistently dry weather, paired with our characteristic warm days and cool nights from August to October, allowed for extended hang time and wines with excellent energy, weight, and intensity.

We feel strongly that the Syrah from Cowhorn Vineyard exhibits some of the most impressive and classically styled versions of this noble variety. With determined tannins, refined acidity, generous fruit, and nuanced aromatics, these ageworthy wines offer concentration, poise, and strength.

Crystalline dark fruit: black plums, sweet dark cherries, wild blueberries, brambly marionberries, and loganberries, with ripe black olives, incense cedar, warm forest floor, and baker’s chocolate. The mouthfeel is bright towards the front, layered throughout, with youthfully exuberant, broad rounded tannins.

Cowhorn Vineyard - Biodynamic Wines
In southern Oregon in the Applegate AVA near the city of Jacksonville, this a grape growing region dating back to 1870.

Committed to Organic and Biodynamic principles since its inception in 2002. Demeter certified since 2008.

The 117-acre estate is a testament to diversity, featuring a terroir and climate ideally suited for growing Rhône varietals. 

25-acres under vine, predominantly Syrah, and then Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne.

 What sets Cowhorn apart is our holistic approach to winemaking. We adhere to biodynamic principles, employing organic and biodynamic farming practices in the vineyard, and nurturing a diverse ecosystem that promotes the health of the land and the vines. 

Winemaker:  Vince Vidrine
An ambitious winemaker with extensive experience, Vidrine is focused on producing wine at the highest level of quality. Until recently, he was the Associate Winemaker at critically acclaimed Domaine Serene Winery in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. In addition to his role as a critical leader for Domaine Serene in Oregon, he has provided significant support to Château de la Crée, their Burgundy estate in the Côte d’Or of France, which produces wines from celebrated vineyards in Chassagne-Montrachet, Volnay and Puligny-Montrachet, Pommard and Santenay.

Previously, Vidrine was the Assistant Winemaker for Brittan Vineyards in McMinnville, Oregon which consistently produces wines that score over 90 points by important wine critics for both Brittan Vineyards and Winderlea Wines. Robert Brittan, who Vince considers one of his winemaking mentors, designed the new Irvine & Roberts state-of-the-art winery, currently under construction on the estate. Brittan will remain involved in the project on a consulting basis.

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