"A record-breaking hot vintage led to an early harvest in some of the vineyards in which we source our fruit for the Sinister Hand. Our estate Syrah from Outlook Vineyard came in as early as August 27th! We were excited about the heat and monitored the vineyards closely for optimal sugar levels and ripeness, finishing up harvest around the 3rd week of September. With these varying ripening dates, we found layers of complexity within each block. The heat rendered beautiful aromas of black pepper, clove and juniper with juicy hints of dried strawberry, pie cherries and fig. Flavors of chocolate, green peppercorn and boysenberry are delicious on the palate, resulting in a full-bodied, mouthcoating Rhone-styled blend.
THE STORY BEHIND THE LABEL: Long ago, pre-dating the 11th century, the families that became modern day O’Neills and O’Reillys were feuding over the land that became their ancestral home. To settle the dispute, a competition was organized and several rowing teams agreed that the first to touch the land, after rowing across the lake, would become ruler of the land. O’Neill’s boat was falling behind so a member of the crew grabbed his own sword, cut off his hand and threw it ashore, and touching first, winning the title to rule the land. The island fortress on this land can still be visited on Lough Oughter in County Cavan."
