Astrale e Terra
2007 Syrah
Atlas Peak
Auction 14 | Lot No. 189
Vintage: 2007
Astrale e Terra
Syrah
Atlas Peak
5 cases produced
Description
The powerful forces of "heaven and earth" inspired the name Astrale e Terra, a boutique winery founded by wine-loving friends to showcase the special terroir of the Atlas Peak Appellation. We make wine 1,250 feet above the Napa Valley floor—where the volcanic soils, a location above the fog line, various microclimates among our rolling hills and dramatic temperature changes that occur daily throughout the growing season ensure that our wines have a spectacular character and flavor. Less than three acres of Syrah are planted in our estate vineyards, resulting in an extremely limited production of this special varietal. We searched through each barrel of this sumptuous Syrah and blended only the best of the best for this Premiere Napa Valley wine.
Aging Process
This 2007 Syrah was aged in French Oak for 29 months. We used 25% new oak, while the rest was neutral. This enables the tannins to soften and lets the fruit shine without the over influence of heavy oak flavors.
Wine Facts
- pH: 3.65
- Single vineyard wine
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Tasting Chart
| bone dry |
|
very sweet |
| light body |
|
very full bodied |
| soft, gentle |
|
very crisp |
| no tannins |
|
heavy tannins |
 |
Scott Harvey
Winemaker, Astrale e Terra
Scott Harvey ranks among California's most celebrated and accomplished winemakers. He first came to the attention of wine lovers and the wine trade as winemaker at Santino and Renwood, where he crafted wines from some of California's oldest vineyards and helped put the Sierra Foothills on the winemaking map. In 1996 he partnered with Richard Peterson, PhD, at Folie a Deux winery in Napa Valley. There, the winemaking duo garnered a reputation for outstanding Napa Valley wines produced from estate fruit as well as from vineyards across the Valley.
After selling Folie a Deux in 2004, Harvey created a series of new brands that took advantage of his experience in both the Sierra Foothills and Napa Valley. One reason Scott chose to work with Astrale e Terra is his admiration for Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Atlas Peak appellation. According to Scott, "some of the best wines I've made have been produced from Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Atlas Peak appellation."
As Astrale e Terra's consulting winemaker, Scott is charged with overseeing harvest, winemaking procedure and the blending of the various lots that Astrale e Terra bottles from its estate vineyards.
Country born: United States
Education: In 1975 I apprenticed at K. Fitz-Ritter Winery while attending the Weinbau Schule in Neustadt, Germany. Returned to Amador County to apprentice from Cary Gott at Montevina winery.I got my basic training in Germany but my recent winemaking style I attribute to my mentor, Dr. Richard Peterson
Years in the wine industry: 30+ years
Winemaking Philosophy:
I was trained in Europe, so I make wines to go with food — good acidity and low pH. The is considered an “Old-World” style of winemaking.
Q&A With the Winemaker
Q: Premiere Napa Valley wines are innovative and allow each winery to showcase the region's sense of exploration in fine winemaking. What kind of exploration did your Premiere Napa Valley wine allow you to do?
A: It led me to explore every lot of wine from our estate vineyards on Atlas Peak to put together one specific wine that would best express a "sense of place" for Astrale e Terra.
Q: What was your inspiration for this offering?
A: My inspiration was the special terroir of the Atlas Peak Appellation. We make wine 1,500 feet above the Napa Valley floor — where the volcanic soils, a location above the fog line, various microclimates among our rolling hills and dramatic temperature changes that occur daily throughout the growing season ensure that our wines have a spectacular character and flavor.
Q: Fill in the blanks: I chose to make this wine from this particular ______________ because ______________.
A: I chose to make this wine from this particular vineyard block because The Syrah vineyard on our property on Atlas Peak ranges in elevation from approximately 1,600 feet to 1,200 feet above the Napa Valley floor. Because of the difference in elevation and soil depth, the Syrah grapes will ripen at different rates; we will pick four to five times each vintage in order to get perfectly ripe fruit. The upper block of the Syrah has amazing spices and deep dark fruit flavors, and differs quite remarkably from the lower block that tends to be more fruit forward. This Syrah is made primarily from the upper portion of the vineyard and is an elegant example of a cool climate Syrah.
Q: Why should a wine lover have a bottle of this wine in their cellar?
A: Most people that we know who love wine also love food! This spectacular Syrah is designed to pair with your favorite meal. When I make any wine and I think I have the blend, I'll make up a full bottle of it in the lab to have with dinner that night. This particular Syrah paired nicely with our dinner, cleansing the palate so the next bit of food tasted just as good as the first bit. Try it with your favorite slow cooked short ribs...a match made in heaven!
1st Avenue Wine House
3412 1st Avenue NE
Cedar Rapids IA 52402
319-298-9463
Premiere Napa Valley Wine Collection
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch Henry Winery | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Lost Dog | 17 |
| Waterstone | 2008 | Red Wine | Los Carneros | Study in Red | 15 |
| Astrale e Terra | 2007 | Syrah | Atlas Peak | 14 | |
| Fontanella Family Winery | 2008 | Merlot | Mount Veeder | 14 |
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