2021 Que Sarah Syrah

Bold, Peppery, and Structured

Wine Details

Vintage: 2021

Alcohol: 14.5%

pH: 3.68

TA: 6.0 g/L

Residual Sugar: 0.7 g/L (Dry)

Production: 540 cases

Bottle Price: $46

Winemaking

Harvest Date: October 14, 2021

Barrel Aging: 18 months

Oak: 50% new French oak, 50% neutral

Toast Level: Medium

Fermentation: Extended maceration, 15% whole cluster

Bottling Date: April 18, 2023

Tasting Notes

Appearance Deep purple-black with opaque core and violet rim. Full-bodied with pronounced viscosity and dark, inky color.

Nose Intense aromatics of blackberry, blueberry, and dark plum. Pronounced notes of cracked black pepper, smoked meat, and olive tapenade. Hints of violet, dried herbs, espresso, and dark chocolate with subtle oak spice.

Palate Full-bodied and powerful with firm, structured tannins. Flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry are complemented by savory notes of black pepper, cured meat, and graphite. Mid-palate reveals layers of dark chocolate, espresso, and toasted oak with hints of lavender and leather.

Finish Long and persistent with waves of dark fruit, pepper, and savory spice. The whole cluster fermentation adds complexity and structure. This vintage showcases classic Northern California Syrah with balance, intensity, and aging potential.

Food Pairing

This bold Syrah pairs beautifully with:

Grilled & Smoked Meats BBQ brisket, grilled lamb chops, smoked ribs, or pepper-crusted steak

Rich & Savory Beef bourguignon, venison stew, braised short ribs, or duck confit

Mediterranean Flavors Lamb tagine, grilled sausages, cassoulet, or aged Gouda

Vintage Notes

The 2021 vintage in Dry Creek Valley provided ideal conditions for Syrah. Moderate temperatures through the growing season allowed for gradual ripening and excellent tannin development. The Clone 174 vines, planted in 2008, are now fully mature and producing concentrated fruit with exceptional peppery character. This vintage represents classic Northern California Syrah with balance and structure.

Drinking Window

Peak: 2025-2032
Can be enjoyed now with decanting, or cellar for continued development through 2035.

Purchase This Wine

Available for purchase directly from Hillside Estate Winery

Visit Winery Website →