2018 Phantom Creek Syrah

Phantom Creek Vineyard has played a pivotal role in establishing Syrah as one of the Okanagan's signature grape varieties. With only 1.2 acres planted, we produced a meagre four barrels of Phantom Creek Vineyard Syrah in 2018. This wine captures the variety's floral and savoury signature with the desert sage of the South Okanagan.

A Syrah showcasing classic notes such as dark chocolate, subtle dried herbs, and black cherry fruit with lovely violets note and just a hint of fresh ground coffee. On the palate, a complexity of flavours of milk chocolate, plums, brown spices, and blackberry fruit, mingle together with the texture provided by lengthy silky tannins. A full-bodied Syrah with a long finish and a confectionary note of toasted oak at the end.

WINEMAKER NOTES

A cool start to spring resulted in a slightly later than average bud break. However ideal flowering conditions were possible thanks to warmer temperatures and dry conditions in late spring. Summer was warm allowing for continued fruit development. And the classic long, dry and sunny fall conditions in October really helped with increased flavour development and acidity retention. Harvest 2018 was longer than usual due to the unique conditions experienced during the growing season, nevertheless a promising one.

VINEYARD NOTES

Established by pioneering viticulturist Richard Cleave in 1996, Phantom Creek Vineyard is located on the lower terrace of the Black Sage Bench just above the warm valley floor. The tiny, eight-acre parcel is planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon. Since the early 2000s, fruit from the property has been used for single vineyard bottlings, a tradition we proudly honour and continue today at the winery.

Wine Specs

Vintage: 2018
Acid: 4.4 g/L
pH: 3.7
Residual Sugar: 0.1 g/L
Alcohol: 14.5%
Harvest Date: October 11
Bottling Date: August 10, 2020
Maturation: 20 months in French oak, 50% new
Aging Potential: 12+ years
Varieties: 100% Syrah