Hors Categorie Vineyards

Syrah 'Hors Categorie Vyd'

Syrah 'Hors Categorie Vyd'

Syrah Hors Categorie Vyd
  • 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:
Hors Categorie Vineyards
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

Resources

Tech Sheet
Request POS

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

2019
James Suckling
Score
100
Date
2022-12-28
2019
Wine Advocate
Score
100
Date
2022-10-31
2017
Wine Advocate
Score
98
Date
2020-08-13
2017
Vinous
Score
97+
Date
2020-07-01
2017
Wine Spectator
Score
94
Date
2021-10-15