- 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
2026-06-30
"Gravel dust, black olives and seared meat give way to mentholated herbs, blackberries and rosemary as the 2021 Syrah opens. The palate is dense, powerful and youthfully compact, with exotic spice and a mineral tinge intensifying its red and black fruits. There's no lack of depth or concentration here, but it's all expertly balanced. The 2021 finishes long and saturating, with edgy tannins and a balsamic twang. This is maturing beautifully."
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."