Winemaker Notes:
After the first racking in the Spring following harvest, we evaluate each wine lot and pick our favorite of the year, designating it as our "Flaghip Wine." The variety and vineyard may change from year to year, but it will always be our best single lot of the season. In 2006, the Syrah from Frank Ferreira's vineyard was superior, with depth and richness from the beginning. We gave the wine extra time in barrel (18 mos.) and bottle (12 mos.) in order to soften the tannins slightly and let the natural vineyard characteristics evolve.

Tasting Notes:
Deep black in color. Aromas of pepper and roasted meat. This wine fills the mouth, very rich, with a very long finish. Should age very well.

Aging:
Extended time on the skins (21 days), racked to new French Oak the day after pressing. Lees stirred regularly through the first quarter. Racked twice during 18 months in barrel. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, aged 12 months in bottle before release.