2013 Pruett Vineyard Limited Release Championship Cuvee Syrah

Pruett Vineyard on the eastern slopes of the Northern Sierras was founded by champion American race car driver Scott Pruett and his wife Judy. A native of northern California who grew up in a farming family, Pruett planted his vineyards himself and makes the wines. The debut vintage was 2010 and Pruett has earned special acclaim for his Syrahs, though he also produces Cabernet Sauvignon blends. Wine Spectator has rated recent Pruett Syrahs as high as 96 pts and called them “powerfully built yet rich and polished…”

Sierra Foothills AVA is in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and it includes parts of eight counties. With total acreage of 2.6 million acres, and nearly 6,000 vineyard acres, it is one of the largest appellations in California. Wine grapes were planted in the foothills during the Gold Rush in the mid-19th century and the appellation was officially recognized in 1987. There are five sub-appellations within the Sierra Foothills region, and more than 100 wineries, most small and family-owned. Zinfandel is the most successful wine grape in this region, though Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also planted.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.