2015 Enfield Wine Co. Yorkville Highlands Syrah

Enfield Wine Co. started in 2010 when John Lockwood and Amy Seese decided to make their own wine. Lockwood held a variety of entry level and more advanced jobs in vineyard management in California and Argentina before working for five years at Failla Wines. In 2013 Lockwood and Seese began devoting all their time to their wine project. Grapes are sourced from Chalone, Coombsville, Wild Horse Valley, Amador County and Fort Ross-Sea. Enfield crafts Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and blends.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.