Keller Estate: 2019 Syrah “Rotie”

What is this wine?

The 2019 Keller Estate "Rotie" from Petaluma Gap in Sonoma is a Syrah-driven red blend with a small amount of Viognier, showing medium garnet color and a developing profile. It is meant to mimic the style of the northern Rhone blends of its namesake (Cote Rotie). The nose presents black pepper, red cherry, red plum, blackberry, and black plum, along with jammier tones and floral notes of violet and acacia. Savory and meaty elements join with cedar, cloves, and tobacco, indicating the wine is aged with some amount of oak, perhaps ~30% new french oak.

On the palate, savory spice and jammy dark fruit lead, with blackberry and black plum followed by those oak notes of cedar and clove rounding out the profile. If you take your time, you pick up on that savoury, gamey flavor as well, showcasing how well this wine will pair with summer foods like grilled chicken thighs or a smoked brisket. Dry with medium plus acidity, medium alcohol, and medium plus finish and intensity, this wine is well balanced and ready to drink now.

Full Tasting Note

Winemaking Information

• Wine Name: Keller Estate 'Rotie' 2019

• Varietal content: 93% Syrah, 7% Viognier

• Vineyard location: Petaluma Gap, Sonoma CA

• Vineyard attributes: Wind-swept, cool-climate, low-yield

• Aging: Neutral and new oak, partial Viognier co-ferment

Appearance: Medium Garnet

Nose:

• Intensity: Medium

• Aromas: Black pepper, red cherry, red plum, blackberry, black plum, jamminess, violet, acacia, savory, meaty, cloves, cedar, tobacco

• Development: Developing

Palate:

• Flavors:

  • Red cherry, red plum, blackberry, Black pepper, jamminess, violet, acacia

  • Secondary: cloves, cedar

  • Tertiary: Savory, meaty, tobacco

• Acidity: Medium+

• Sweetness: Dry

• Alcohol: Medium

• Body: Medium-

• Intensity: Medium

• Finish: Medium+

Conclusions:

• Quality: Very Good

• Drink time: Drink now, suitable for aging