2005 Arnot-Roberts Alder Springs Vineyard Syrah

Arnot-Roberts was founded in Healdsburg in 2001 when Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Lee Roberts decided to make single vineyard wines in very small quantities. The men are childhood friends who grew up in Napa Valley. Before teaming up to make their own wine, Meyers worked as a winemaker and Roberts was a cooper. Arnot-Roberts sources grapes from Sonoma County, the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Sonoma Coast, Napa Valley and Clear Lake. They make Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and white blends. They are also known for having experimented with Trousseau, a red-wine grape that is native to the Jura region of France but rarely planted or used for winemaking in the U.S. Arnot-Roberts wines are in high demand but mainly available through their mailing list. Robert M. Parker Jr. has called Arnot-Roberts wines “impressively endowed (and) well-made…”

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

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.