Catoctin Breeze Vineyard’s 2015 Estate Syrah was awarded “Best Syrah” at the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition on December 13, 2017 on Capital Hill.
This wine was critiqued by a panel of 17 distinguished judges. Catoctin Breeze’s wines competed against 467 entries, from 89 wineries in 12 East Coast states. The awards ceremony was held on Capitol Hill, with Senate and House members of the U.S. Congressional Wine Caucus present, along with other Congressional members, Chiefs of Staff, and Legislative Assistants who work with the wine industry. The winemaker, Mike Lentini, and the Co-owner, Adam Fizyta, were both there to receive the award, but give all of the credit to the vineyard crew – the hardworking team of men tending the vines day after day, enabling Catoctin Breeze to grow such beautiful fruit. Whether it’s leaf pulling for 8 hours on a 100 degree day in July, or pruning on a windy and 25 degree day in March, these guys get it done.
CBV’s Estate Syrah grows on the southern face of their hill, on a 30-degree grade. The steep slope helps with drainage, which is very important for the health of the vines. The southern exposure allows the grapes to soak in the maximum amount of sunlight, which helps with ripening and disease prevention. The combination of the unique site with the sturdy vineyard crew help them create some unique and delicious wines. Some tasting notes on the 2015 Syrah: Our Syrah greets the mouth with firm tannins, unfolding with flavors of black cherry and cassis, followed by a slightly dry, peppery finish. Enjoy this medium-bodied red with lamb and other grilled or roasted meats.
When Mike and Adam were sitting at a local pub enjoying a beer after talking wine all day, Mike said to Adam, “It’s pretty cool that only a couple of years ago we were serving wine in an open air barn, behind a makeshift bar made from a slab of wood and two barrels. Now, here we are serving these wines on Capitol Hill. This has me so excited for what is in store for us in the future.”
Cheers to that, and for a great 2017 season at Catoctin Breeze Vineyard!
