Our vinicultural goal in this endeavor was to produce a wine exemplifying the exceptional fruit of our 3-acre vineyard and the dense structure of our terroir without the higher levels of ethanol common in many Syrahs.

We have blended in a touch of Cabernet Franc to create a wine brimming with pepper, spices, tar and black treacle when young. We expect that our 2005 offering will develop the characteristics of damsons, raspberries and blackcurrants, qualities that are notable in the single vineyard Syrahs of the northern Rhone region.

The name PharaohMoans pays tribute to the birthplace of wine - and plays with the term "pheromones", which of course is the hormonal influence behind a variety of sensory patterns (including consumption of very fine wines) among our kind. Wine was discovered in Egypt nearly 6,000 years ago, around the time when Hieroglyphs were first used in 3500 BC. The Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1822 and unlocked the written secrets of culture of this ancient civilization. The Egyptian Pharaohs had a great zest for life and the finest things that it had to offer.

The Vineyard
Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles along California's Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California's fastest growing wine region and largest geographic appellation. With a greater day-to-night temperature swing than any other appellation in California, distinct micro-climates, diverse soils and a long growing season, Paso Robles is a unique wine region blessed with optimal growing conditions for producing premium and ultra premium wines.

The vineyards and winery are on the westside of Paso Robles near the Templeton Gap, a breach in the coastal mountain range where the cooling ocean breezes temper the hot summer days of northern San Luis Obispo County, and the resultant temperature swing from day to night can be as much as 40 degrees. The soils of this area are also well suited for vineyards, with limestone, clay, and rock-shell creating a lean environment for the grapes.