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Strala: to shine brightly, emit rays, radiate light. Stråla Vineyards is the shared dream of Jason and Laura Ray. 

Jason, the founder of Napa Select Vineyard Services, brings over a decade of expertise in vineyard management. Growing up in Orcutt, California, Jason’s roots in farming run deep. With a degree in Crop Sciences and Ag Business from CalPoly San Luis Obispo, he established a high-end vineyard management company in 2005. Today, Jason is renowned for his exceptional viticulture skills, managing over 1,100 acres of prime vineyards in Napa and Sonoma.

Laura’s journey from Wisconsin to the West Coast led her from the medical field to the captivating world of wine. Winning the Master Sommelier blind tasting in 2011 transitioned her into barrel sales, and soon after, she and Jason met. Together, their passion for wine birthed Stråla Vineyards in 2013, starting with a humble 300 cases of red blends and cabernet.

At the helm of winemaking for Stråla is Maayan Koschitzky, a renowned winemaker from Israel who has made his mark in California. Since 2017, he has led the winery with innovation and expertise. In addition to his role at Strala, Maayan partners with Miguel Luna and Pete Richmond in La Pelle Wines.

With a background crafting wine at prestigious estates like Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle, and serving as director of winemaking for Philippe Melka's Atelier Melka, Maayan's talent is undeniable. Recognized as one of Wine Enthusiast's 40 Under 40 Tastemakers in 2019, Maayan continues to shape the future of California winemaking with his passion and skill.

The 2015 vintage in Napa Valley was absolutely epic! It scored 97 points from Wine Advocate. This is the kind of vintage you'll want to save and enjoy later. But guess what? Later is NOW, and after 9 years, it's the perfect time to pop it open and enjoy! 

Blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon. A vibrant wine with deep ruby color and a hint of purple. On the nose, Syrah offers dark fruit, white pepper, and violet aromas, while bright cherry and berry notes add freshness. The palate is lively, with juicy red and dark fruits, spiced white pepper, and savory herbs, supported by the structure of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The smooth finish lingers with fruit and spice, balanced by fine tannins.

The 2015 Strala Vineyards Proprietary Red is hitting its stride as it approaches a decade in bottle. The low-yield 2015 harvest produced concentrated wines, and this one is now fully coming into its own. Youthful red fruit has deepened into rich blackcurrant tones, layered with fine tobacco and gorgeous loamy earth. The once-powerful full-bodied structure has softened into a more medium-bodied elegance, with smooth, sleek tannins lending finesse. Drinking beautifully now, it’s best enjoyed at cellar temperature at the start of a meal, allowing its complexity to unfold as it gradually warms. ~94 Decanter

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