- Practicing Biodynamic
- 100% Syrah
- Hors Categorie Vineyard
- Walla Walla Valley AVA
- Vineyard planted in 2011 at 1,360-1,480 ft elevation
- Aged 18 months in neutral French oak
- 316 cases produced
- 14.4% abv
WA: 100 Points
“Powerful and robust with a complex nose, the 2019 Syrah opens to aromas of spiced blackberry and black raspberry before primary and secondary expressions blossom in the glass with elegance and precision; it then articulates layers of truffle, hints of tar and roses, turned earth and succulent red flowers with dusty, ripe red fruit essences. Medium to full-bodied, this Syrah is a masterclass in capturing a sense of place as it somersaults across the mid-palate with elegance, finesse and power. At the same time, flaunting its well-deserved triple-digit score, this devastatingly gorgeous Syrah glides effortlessly to a complex, ever-evolving and lingering tannic finish. This is world-class juice that shines with stunning purity. Run, don’t walk to grab any of the 1,800 bottles made.”
– Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2021
Country:
United States
Region:
Washington
Appellation:
Walla Walla
Variety:
Syrah
Color:
Red
Farming Practice:
Practicing Biodynamic
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | US-HCG-40-21 | 2/750ml |
Press & Reviews
James Suckling
Score
98
Date
2024-11-20
"Deep and intense syrah with compelling aromas of rich blue and black fruit, rust, ash, bay leaves, cracked pepper, crushed rock and grilled meat. It™s firm, full-bodied and powerful. Firm and solid tannin frame. It™s like staring down into a dark and bottomless well. Around 90% stems included. From biodynamically grown grapes on a very steep slope of up to 60 degrees. Try from 2028."
Vinous
Score
98+
Date
2024-12-05
"The seductively savory 2021 Syrah Hors Catégorie Vineyard mixes richness with grace, blossoming in the glass with a perfumed bouquet that blends lavender pastille and mint with salt-cured meats, sagebrush and dusty blackcurrants. Elegant and enveloping, this comes across in waves of weighted silk, showing ripe blackberries, blueberries and exotic spices elevated by a core of fresh acidity. A cascade of sweet tannins mingles with hints of olive and violet pastille as the 2021 finishes with outstanding length and concentration."
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
97+
Date
2024-07-11
"The 2021 Syrah is another pretty, perfumed example of this cuvée. All Syrah from a steep hillside vineyard (there are two parcels) on the north fork of the Walla Walla River, its ruby semi-opaque hue is followed by a beautiful nose of framboise, redcurrants, flowers, peppered meats, lavender, and hints of shiitake mushrooms. It picks up a certain Graves-like scorched earth/cold fireplace character with air, and this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a supple, incredibly elegant mouthfeel, and ultra-fine tannins. It needs lots of air if drinking any time soon and will ideally be given 5-7 years of bottle age. I'd be shocked if it didn't evolve gracefully for at least two decades."
Wine Spectator
Score
95
Date
2025-05-07
"Bold and rich with personality and nuance, this red overflows with flavors of blackberry, licorice, grilled meat and smoky black pepper while building density and tension toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2026 through 2035."T.F."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
Wine Enthusiast
Score
99
Date
2023-07-26
"This Syrah flirts with perfection in rarefied air. Black-and-blueberry aromas waltz gracefully with notes of thyme, a fresh-mowed hay field and bacon just hitting the griddle. This is a perfectly balanced wine with medium weight, lemony acidity and flavors like ripe blackberries, aged balsamic and black tea. " Michael Alberty"
James Suckling
Score
98
Date
2023-06-01
"A complex nose with blackberries, spiced plum skins, roasted meat, baking spices and rocky soil. Full-bodied, big and broad-shouldered with firm tannins that are little chewy. Deep and structured. It™s long and steady with rocky minerality going on for minutes. 291 cases made. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better from 2025."
Vinous
Score
98
Date
2023-08-10
"A darkly alluring and rich blend of plum sauce and sage complemented by dusty rose, balsamic spice and sweet smoke wafts up from the 2020 Syrah Hors Categorie Vineyard. This is a textural joy ride, silky and deep, with blood orange nuances adding tension. A juicy acidity creates an energetic feel, and saline minerals pinch at the cheeks. There's simply so much going on that its fruit takes a back seat, still vivid and fresh, mixing tart raspberry with peppery rose and inner sage. It tapers off dramatically long, and with a crystalline tannic structure. Bitter blackberries mingle with dusty tannins as suggestions of white pepper fade. This may be the wine of the vintage. It™s frankly amazing to think about what will be possible as this vineyard matures."
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
97
Date
2023-06-22
"Ripe red and black cherries, leafy herbs, crushed stone, forest floor, violets, and smoked meat notes all emerge from the 2020 Syrah, a deep, full-bodied, concentrated Syrah with ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, and a great finish. The purity, precision, and length here are truly something, and this beauty defies the vintage and is shockingly good."
Wine Advocate
Score
95
Date
2023-05-11
"Beginning with dusty aromas of spiced plum, dark cherry and black raspberry with hints of sage and cherry blossoms, the 2020 Syrah is savory, fresh and spicy. Full-bodied, tertiary and firmly structured with tight gripping tannins, it is precise and finessed on the palate, with a food-friendly mouthfeel, succulent spicy cherries and hints of umami notes. The wine continues to somersault over the long, lingering, mineral-laced finish. The wine aged for 18 months in a combination of neutral and third fill demi-muids. Just under 3,800 bottles produced."