Winery Visit: Siduri

After going to Gary Farrell, I called Adam Lee, the winemaker and proprietor of Siduri. He invited us to swing by but had only about 30 mins.

The winery is in a non-descript office park off of Hwy 101 in Santa Rosa. He was planning to bottle most of his 2001s and gave us barrel samples straight from the stainless steel tanks. Adam tasted us through 3 Pinots:

• 2001 Siduri- Russian River


• 2001 Siduri- Santa Maria


• 2001 Siduri- Clos Pepe


• 2001 Siduri- Cabernet Franc

All Pinots were very consistent, balanced, and focused. He made only 4 barrels of the Cabernet Franc, so it was a treat to taste.

Key take aways:

• Photosynthesis of the grapes stop when the wind gusts are 25 miles per hour.


• Making Syrah (under his Novy label) has helped him become a better Pinot maker. He uses yeasts differently.


• Regarding the grape glut, predicts a shake out of growers similar to 1989 when a September rain caused havoc. The vineyard management companies helped their large clients first and ignoring the small vineyards. These small vineyards left all the fruit on the vine to rot and the owners couldn't recoup their losses


• Offered an informational interview to answer any questions about starting a winery, marketing wines, etc.


• Also, extended an offer to come help during harvest.