2005 Alesia (Rhys) Fairview Ranch Vineyard Syrah

Alesia is a label owned and operated by Rhys Vineyards of Santa Cruz. Alesia and Rhys are owned by Kevin Harvey. Alesia wines are made from grapes purchased in the Sonoma Coast and in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Like Rhys estate wines, Alesia wines are primarly Pinot Noir. Syrah is also made under both labels.

Santa Lucia Highlands AVA is a 12-mile long, narrow strip of an appellation wedged along the eastern hillsides of the Santa Lucia mountain range. Given its proximity to Big Sur and the Gabilan Mountain Range to the northeast, Santa Lucia a cool-climate wine growing district. Morning sun is often followed by maritime winds and fog in the afternoon, a weather pattern that prolongs the growing season and means long, gentle ripening of the grapes. Spanish missionaries planted vineyards in the district in the 18th century, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that modern winemakers planted vineyards and began making high quality wine. The district received AVA status in 1991 and today there are 6,000 vineyard acres in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Pinot Noir is the dominant grape planted, followed by Chardonnay and Riesling.

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.