90+ Points - The Rhone Report
Composed of small batches from many of the best blocks of Syrah & Grenache from the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Bennett Valley, the 2008 Cosa Obra Proprietary Red offers a heady nose of blackberry, blueberry, black pepper and a hint of earth. Impressively rich, yet balanced and structured, this wine showcases intense dark fruit with a long finish of berries and spice. 50% new French oak was used for 20 months and held the wine in bottle for one full year prior to release. The 2008 is ready to drink now and will continue to develop over the next 3-5 years. The 2008 Proprietor's Blend offers tremendous depth and complexity for the price.
Winemaking:
Grapes were picked in the darkness of the early morning hours, and immediately subjected to rigorous hand sorting and refinement process. The whole berries were gently delivered to tank. Cold soaks lasted five to seven days, and fermentations were managed via a combination of delestage and pumpovers. Extended maceration ranging from three to four weeks fine-tuned our tannin profiles, allowing to perfect mouth feel and wine complexity. The wine was aged in 50% new French oak and 50% neutral oak for twenty months.
Vineyards:
Sourced from Ray Teldeschi Vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley, Windsor Oaks Vineyards in the Russian River Valley, as well as Greywacke Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, in which yields are maintained at sparse levels, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 tons/acre. The wine is composed of small batches of Syrah & Grenache from many of the best blocks, representing a diverse range of carefully selected rootstocks and clones.
Analysis:
Appellation: Sonoma County
Varietals: 90% Syrah, 10% Grenache
Aging: 20 Months on 100% French Oak, 50% New
Alcohol: 15.3%
pH: 3.9
TA: 5.9 g/L
Bottled: June 2010
Release: Spring 2011
Ideal Serving Temperature: 57 - 62°
Production: 194 cases
94 Point Vintage
Deep garnet core with an elegant ruby-brick rim—a striking sign of its library maturity. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and macerated blackberry, seamlessly transitioning into sophisticated layers of cedar, graphite, crushed violet, and cured tobacco. A savory accent of bay laurel, cocoa nib, and warm earth adds impressive intrigue. The palate delivers dense dark fruit framed by velvety, melted tannins and vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lifted and fresh. Finishes long and seamlessly, lingering with espresso, black plum, aged leather, and a fine crushed-stone minerality.
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