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Tepusquet Vineyard Syrah
Tepusquet Vineyard Syrah"A deep, dark, concentrated color leads to blueberry, black cherry, vanilla, cinnamon and toasty oak spice aromas in the nose. Firm tannins complement cherry cola, dark fruit, cedar and white pepper flavors while a full mid-palate gives way to a well-balanced and lingering finish. Enjoy with crispy roast duck, lamb, and spicy marinara pasta dishes."

Denise Shurtleff, Winemaker


Acclaim
89 Points - Jim Laube, Wine Spectator January 2008

Estate
The family-owned Cambria estate sits atop the Santa Maria Bench in northern Santa Barbara County. This area was originally known as “tepuztli” by the native Chumash Indians meaning “copper coin.” Later, Spanish settlers translated the word as Tepusquet.

Part of an 1838 Mexican land grant, “Rancho Tepusquet” was home to cattle and row crops throughout the 1800s. Vines were planted over 150 years ago when the original settlers, the Olivera family, planted the Mission grape variety which was introduced to California by the Franciscan Friars. Barbara Banke, Cambria’s proprietor, named one of the estate vineyards “Tepusquet” to honor the area’s rich history.

Vineyard
The current Cambria Tepusquet Vineyard is located at the eastern-most portion of the estate on a downward slope which shelters the vines from Santa Maria’s infamous strong winds. The soil, once a prehistoric river bed, is sandy, porous and exceptionally well-draining—resulting in fruit with dense, concentrated flavors. The Pacific Ocean, located 17 miles to the west, fosters a cool marine layer which helps the fruit to develop optimal acid balance and varietal characteristics.

Harvest and Winemaking
As with all fruit from Cambria’s vineyards, the 2005 Syrah was hand harvested at the peak of flavor development. The grape clusters were de-stemmed and placed into openñtop fermenters. A cold pre-soak and frequent punchdowns gently maximized the extraction of flavor and color. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was racked into medium-plus toasted French oak barrels for 13 months—a process which integrates the spicy, concentrated fruit flavors of Syrah while rounding out the mid-palate.

Wine Specifics
Composition: 100% Syrah
Vineyard Source: Cambria Tepusquet Vineyard
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley
Barrel Aging: Thirteen months 99% French (34% new) and 1% American oak
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.66
Total Acidity: 0.55 g/100ml
Bottling Date: February 2007
Release Date: April 2007
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