- Practicing Biodynamic
- 100% Syrah
- Walla Walla Valley AVA
- Armada vineyard
- Planted in 2001
- 21 months of aging in 15-20% new French oak
- 13.7% alc
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2022
Country:
United States
Region:
Washington
Appellation:
Walla Walla
Variety:
Syrah
Color:
Red
Farming Practice:
Practicing Biodynamic
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | US-CAY-43-22 | 3/750ml |
Resources
Press & Reviews
James Suckling
Score
96
Date
2025-03-31
"Broad and complex, this syrah reveals ripe dark berries layered with white pepper, dried violets and grilled rosemary as well as wet stones and a touch of iodine. The full-bodied palate is supertense and deeply structured with remarkable depth and layers of dark fruit. Bold, powerful and firmly built, this is one for the cellar. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better after 2029."
Wine Advocate
Score
96
Date
2024-03-22
"Displaying a lighter color with a medium ruby hue, the 2022 Syrah Armada Vineyard has a spicy, complex, broad and structured nose, with fresh aromas of black cherries, blackberry skin, violets and rose blossoms. The palate, firm and food friendly, features a distinctive tannic edge that's meant for red meats. Unmistakably Syrah from Walla Walla Valley, this is a gorgeous beauty, and I'm going back to finish the glass. The wine spent 22 months aging in a combination of new and used French oak. 7,632 bottles were produced."
Wine Enthusiast
Score
95
Date
2024-06-01
"The Armada sails into port behind a tailwind of black cherry, wet terra-cotta, cumin and smoked pork-belly aromas. The wine's mouthfeel is seamless and slick, allowing dried cherry, espresso and roasted red-pepper flavors to glide along. Elevated acidity keeps everything lively. -M.A."
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
94
Date
2025-07-10
"Planted in 2001 to 6 x 4 spacing and cultivated using biodynamic farming methods since 2002, the 2022 Syrah Armada Vineyard is tightly wound, with a lot of inherent tension. Red and black berry eke their way out of the powerful core of darkness and intensity, with a balsamic note threading its way through close behind. Drinking window 2028-2038."
Vinous
Score
94
Date
2025-10-23
"More fruit-centric than the surrounding single vineyards, the 2022 Syrah Armada Vineyard opens with an array of crushed raspberries and blueberries complemented by nuances of clove and cedary spice. It is soothingly round and cooling to the senses, with silken waves of ripe wild berry fruits swirling beneath an air of violet inner florals. The 2022 tapers off long and perfumed, with subtle tannins and an air of lavender lingering on."
Wine Spectator
Score
94
Date
2026-04-01
"Detailed and handsomely structured, with expressive flavors of blackberry and raspberry highlighted by rose petal, dusky spice and savory meat tones that gather richness and detail on the finish. Drink now through 2035."T.F."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
98+
Date
2022-07-09
""The 2019 Syrah Armada Vineyard comes from a higher density planting just beside the estate"
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
98
Date
2023-06-21
Vinous
Score
97
Date
2022-03-18
Wine Advocate
Score
97
Date
2022-10-31
""Rich"
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
97+
Date
2024-07-11
"One of the bigger, richer wines in the lineup, the 2021 Syrah Armada Vineyard comes from a high-density vineyard located just beside the cellar and was brought up all in demi-muids. This deeper ruby/plum-hued Syrah boasts a big, masculine bouquet of smoked red and black fruits, sauteed mushrooms, cured meats, iron, and cold fireplace nuances (it almost has a Graves-like character) that flows to a medium to full-bodied, rich, concentrated Syrah with terrific overall balance, ripe tannins, and a great finish. As with the other 2021s here, it needs lots of air to show at its best and will ideally be given 4-5 years in the cellar. It's going to hit its 20th birthday in fine form."
Vinous
Score
96
Date
2023-08-10
Wine Advocate
Score
96
Date
2023-05-11
Vinous
Score
95
Date
2024-12-05
"The 2021 Syrah Armada Vineyard lifts from the glass with a high-toned bouquet, as dusty rose and violet tones give way to hints of white smoke, baking spice and black raspberry. This envelops the palate with soft and round textures, displaying noticeable weight and energy. Its fresh acidity propels its ripe red and blue fruit nuances. The 2021 finishes with a liquid floral concentration and pleasantly chewy sensation, leaving sweet tannins that frame the experience without slowing its momentum. I love the unbridled energy here."
James Suckling
Score
95
Date
2023-04-20
""Blackcurrants"
Wine Enthusiast
Score
95
Date
2023-07-26
""The Armada sails on an ocean of blackcap raspberry and smoked brisket flavors"
Wine Spectator
Score
95
Date
2025-04-23
"Robust and full-bodied, with personality-laden notes of blackberry, bacon fat, tapenade and iron that build density and power toward bold tannins. Hands off for now. Best from 2026 through 2035."T.F."
Wine Spectator
Score
94
Date
2023-05-24
""Distinctive and fragrant"
Wine Spectator
Score
93
Date
2024-05-15
"Plump yet structured, with generous raspberry and huckleberry flavors that are highlighted by notes of river stone, savory herbs and licorice, finishing with big but polished tannins. Drink now through 2032. "T.F."
Wine Enthusiast
Score
92
Date
2022-10-01
""The aromas are fruit forward for this area and producer"