2006 Flying Monkey Syrah, Bear Valley Vineyard, Monterey County

In a remote mountain valley vineyard on the Central Coast of California, we grow the grapes for this elegant, fruity and spicy Syrah. Flying monkeys, purple pigs, wild boar, vine-pruning munchkins, poppies and zeppelins are sometimes seen around the vineyard, particularly after an extended picnic.

We are fortunate enough to have been making wine from this remote vineyard northwest of Parkfield for several years. Its relatively high altitude and frequent spring frosts keep yields down and temperatures moderate, especially compared to most of the Paso Robles region. This wine is a blend of 75% Shiraz clone Syrah, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% of some white varietal that we still haven’t figured out. It has more concentration and terroir than many more expensive wines, and a really cool label. You should buy some.

Q: Why is the Flying Monkey red?
A: After the Wicked Witch melted, he broke into her wine cellar.

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