2007 Loess Vineyard Syrah

{Walla Walla Valley}

This Syrah is graceful and elegant without lacking in depth and complexity. In typical Côte Rôtie fashion, it's co-fermented in 3% Viognier. Aromatically this wine offers black cherries, rose petals, rhubarb, blueberries, anise, cola and dried meats. The touch of spice and gaminess delivers a bit of funk to its otherwise fruit-forward essence. Aged entirely in neutral French oak barrels, the silky fruit tannins help coat and fill the entire mouth as it evolves into a lengthy, pleasant finish. Although this wine is youthful and needs time to develop, the high acidity and moderate alcohol levels will lend itself to age-worthy potential.

• Wine Profile (pdf)