# Lillian Syrah Gold Series No. 08 (2019)

- **Producer:** Lillian Winery
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Roussanne
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later

## About this wine

The Lillian Syrah 2019, also known as Gold Series No. 08, is a red wine from Santa Barbara County, California, produced by Lillian Winery. Founded by Maggie Harrison, the winery embraces a philosophy of minimal intervention. The 2019 vintage was characterized by cooler weather, leading to extended ripening and very small yields. This particular bottling is a tribute to Amparo, a vineyard worker at Bien Nacido Vineyard, and is noted for its refined, rocky character that moves away from typical Syrah descriptors.

## Interesting facts

- The 2019 Gold Series No. 08 is a tribute to Amparo, a vineyard worker at Bien Nacido Vineyard.
- Production for the 2019 vintage was exceptionally small due to tiny yields.
- The wine is bottled without fining or filtration.
- It eschews common Syrah notes like blackberries and bacon fat.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and substantial tannins are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes. The earthy and rocky notes in the wine can complement savory elements in food, while its intensity can stand up to bold flavors.

## Wine making process

The Lillian Syrah 2019 is produced using native yeast fermentation in small, open-top fermenters. The wine is siphoned warm directly into barrels without the use of pumps. It then undergoes an extended aging period of 24 to 36 months in barrel. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration, preserving its natural character and texture. Fruit for this vintage was sourced from vineyards in Santa Barbara County, including Bien Nacido, White Hawk, and Stolpman Vineyards.