Clary Ranch Syrah 2024 Arnot-Roberts

Tasting Note Clary Ranch Syrah 2024

Aromas of crushed blackberries and violets are accompanied by subtle notes of ground black pepper and bay leaf in the background. On the palate, the Arnot-Roberts Clary Ranch Syrah 2024 feels lean rather than full-bodied. With an alcohol content of 12% and vibrant acidity forming the foundation, tannins derived from the stems create a slight tightness in the throat. The finish is crisp, reminiscent of olives or iron rather than jam. It is a young wine, and this is clearly evident.

Grape Varieties

Syrah is a variety mainly grown in warm and sunny regions, which often result in high sugar contents and in relation medium to high potential alcohol, yet Arnot-Roberts have been able to keep the ABV at just 12% while maintaining the variety's characteristic peppery and floral and dark red fruit aromas.

The wine was made with 100% Syrah grapes.

Cellaring Potential

It is not density but the acidity and tannins derived from the grape stems that give this wine its vibrancy. It has the potential to age from 2027 through 2040. Over time, the stem-derived nuances will evolve into notes of skin and dried herbs.

About Arnot-Roberts

Arnot-Roberts operates out of a facility located on Healdsburg Avenue, part of Sonoma County, and nearly all of the fruit produced there is not grown on nearby land. Rather than purchasing vineyards, Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Lee Roberts sought out the sites themselves, and their current portfolio consists of wines produced from more than 24 vineyards across California, each managed by individual growers.

Single-vineyard wines form the core of their lineup, and they also offer several appellation wines. The two grew up in Napa Valley in the 1980s and come from families of chefs, barrel makers, teachers, and lawyers, not winemakers. In 2001, they produced a single barrel of wine in a cellar in Healdsburg, and subsequently expanded their business by adding vineyards one by one. The varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, as well as Trousseau, Ribolla Gialla, and Touriga Nacional.

The wines emphasize freshness and flavor rather than intense concentration. Tastings are by appointment only.

Vineyard & Terroir

Clary Ranch is a vineyard located on a hillside in Petaluma Gap; because it is quite close to Tomales Bay, winds and fog blowing from the direction of Pacific pass straight through the rows of vines. This is the coldest plot planted with Syrah, which is managed by Arnot-Roberts. There is no irrigation here either; the vines draw their nutrients from winter rainwater stored in the soil, and their roots extend deep into the ground. The combination of cold air and water stress results in small berries and high natural acidity.

Winemaking

Following the methods used by legendary winemakers Marius Gentaz-Dervieux and Marcel Juge, renowned for their methods used in the northern part of Rhône, they use natural yeasts for fermentation and submerge the cap with pump-overs. While the use of new barrels in Clary Ranch Syrah is nearly zero, Nathan Roberts, which crafts some of its own barrels, fully understands how new wood affects wines with such a light structure. No fining is performed, sulfur content is kept to a minimum, and the wine is finished unfiltered whenever possible. The final bottled wine carries the flavors of the grape stems and the terroir, rather than those of the cellar.

Food Pairing: Clary Ranch Syrah by Arnot-Roberts

With its peppery aroma and high acidity, this wine pairs better with rich, fatty dishes than with sweet ones. Grilled lamb chops harmonize the savory aroma of the grilled meat with the spiciness of the grape stems. A combination of duck breast and roasted beets is also recommended. A mushroom and thyme tart is an excellent choice for a vegetarian meal. Aged Gruyère or Cheddar pairs well with savory dishes that have nutty flavors, but it's best to avoid pairing it with soft cheeses.