Our Honey B Vineyard in Carneros is an ideal site for cool-climate Syrah, allowing the variety to show depth, energy, and complexity. I’m drawn to Syrah for its playful, expressive nature and how distinct it is from our other red wines. We harvest slightly later to encourage a multi-layered fruit profile rather than a lean or herbal style. In the cellar, I select barrels with a slightly heavier toast, adding a subtle layer of smokiness and savory character. This wine is delicious in its youth, with a chewy texture and layered structure, but it truly shines with age. After five or more years in the cellar, the tannins soften and integrate, allowing the dark, rich berry fruit to come forward.

—Michael Baldacci, Winemaker