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Buy any 6 bottles and save 5%. Buy any 12 bottles and save 10% (excludes wines on offer). Free UK delivery on orders over £100. Tel: 02922 337454
2020 Syrah, The Language Of Yes, Randall Grahm Wine Republic

2020 Syrah, The Language Of Yes, Randall Grahm

Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California, United States

Randall Grahm is a legend of California winemaking, renowned for his trailblazing work with Rhône Varieties in the Central Coast. ‘The Language of Yes’ is his latest project, an attempt to capture the essence of Old World wines through the ‘uniqueness of the vineyards and the (mostly) sunny disposition of California’.

This is a deliciously complex Syrah, marked by its lively acidity and layers of vivid pepperiness, black olive, violets, liquorice and white flowers. Smooth and textured with a long finish.

The Syrah and Viognier grapes come from the single vineyard ‘Rancho Réal’, in the Santa Maria Valley which is one of the coolest sites where vines are successfully grown in California. Here, the vines enjoy a particularly long growing season, thus developing an impressive degree of complexity and articulation. For example, the formation of ‘Rotundone’, the molecule that imparts the peppery quality to wines, is favoured by cooler climates, lower light conditions and a long hang-time on the vine.

Whats in the bottle
Syrah 87%, Viognier 13%

Notable Awards
94 points, The Wine Advocate

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£46.00
£46.00 - £46.00
£46.00
£36.00
£36.00 - £36.00
£36.00
Availability:
In stock

The Language of Yes is the latest chapter in the remarkable career of Randall Grahm, one of California’s most original and influential winemakers. Grahm founded Bonny Doon Vineyard and became known as the Rhône Ranger after championing varieties such as Grenache and Syrah at a time when California was dominated by more familiar grapes. His contribution to American wine has been recognised by the James Beard Foundation and the Culinary Institute of America’s Vintners Hall of Fame.

Created in collaboration with Joe C. Gallo, The Language of Yes gives Grahm the freedom to explore the vineyards, varieties and climates of California’s Central Coast. Its name refers to the historic langue d’oc of southern France, reflecting the project’s affection for Provençal and Rhône traditions. The intention, however, is not imitation. Each wine seeks an original Californian voice shaped by its vineyard and season.

Production is deliberately small, with gentle handling and experimental techniques used to build complexity while protecting freshness. Rancho Réal is central to the project. Its exceptionally cool position in the Santa Maria Valley gives Rhône varieties a long growing season, bringing perfume, peppery detail and measured ripeness. These are imaginative, thought-provoking wines backed by one of California’s most experienced and trusted winemakers.

The 2020 is a blend of 87% Syrah and 13% Viognier from Rancho Réal Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley. This exceptionally cool site extends the growing season and encourages the formation of rotundone, the aromatic compound associated with Syrah’s characteristic pepperiness.

The grapes underwent passerillage, a traditional post-harvest process in which the bunches were dried in the shade for three days. This created slight dehydration and concentration while allowing the stems to mature sufficiently for whole-cluster fermentation. Vinification took place in stainless steel with 50% whole clusters, supporting a slow, controlled fermentation while building fragrance and structure.

The wine matured for 12 months in used puncheons and stainless steel, with substantial lees retention and minimal racking used to preserve fruit and freshness. It was bottled without fining or filtration. Alcohol: 13.9%. Screwcap closure. Decant before serving.

Country
USA

Grape
Syrah, Viognier

Producer
The Language Of Yes

Region
California

Sub-Region
Santa Maria Valley

Size
750ml

Types
Red Wine

Vintage
2020