Gramercy Cellars
John Lewis Walla Walla Valley Syrah
Walla Walla Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
93-94 range
Hard to believe this is a 17yr old WA state Syrah. 100% varietal, all from Les Collines vineyard. 13.9ABV
Sporting a deep purple color even at 17yrs, this feels like it is just now entering prime time. Big aromatics of peppered smoked meats, whole cluster/green herbs, red and blackberry fruits. Floral and balanced with fruit but spices/herbs in the background. Where Cayuse (and all Christophe Baron/Rocks district) wines trend to the savory/sanguine profile (which I enjoy), this balances the dark fruit, smoky/charcoal, savory/spice driven side of Syrah in its typical rustic/feral profile. Nice bridge between cool climate New World Syrah and ripe vintage Cornas. Finish is more vibrant and less requiring of food as the CB wines do.
Followed over three days and shockingly held up. If you have a bottle, open and enjoy but no immediate rush.
93-94 range
Hard to believe this is a 17yr old WA state Syrah. 100% varietal, all from Les Collines vineyard. 13.9ABV
Sporting a deep purple color even at 17yrs, this feels like it is just now entering prime time. Big aromatics of peppered smoked meats, whole cluster/green herbs, red and blackberry fruits. Floral and balanced with fruit but spices/herbs in the background. Where Cayuse (and all Christophe Baron/Rocks district) wines trend to the savory/sanguine profile (which I enjoy), this balances the dark fruit, smoky/charcoal, savory/spice driven side of Syrah in its typical rustic/feral profile. Nice bridge between cool climate New World Syrah and ripe vintage Cornas. Finish is more vibrant and less requiring of food as the CB wines do.
Followed over three days and shockingly held up. If you have a bottle, open and enjoy but no immediate rush.
I was saved a sample by @romo on day 3 after pop. Still going strong and dark as night in the glass. Chewy tannins, bruised dark fruit and after 72 hours a harmonious spicy finish.
I was saved a sample by @romo on day 3 after pop. Still going strong and dark as night in the glass. Chewy tannins, bruised dark fruit and after 72 hours a harmonious spicy finish.
Feb 9th, 2017Clearly a well made wine but very tight at the moment....even after hours of air. Hold.
Clearly a well made wine but very tight at the moment....even after hours of air. Hold.
Apr 13th, 2014
Rich and full bodied. Open a day in advance.
Rich and full bodied. Open a day in advance.
Feb 4th, 20172008 Gramercy John Lewis Reserve Syrah
Huge, stinky syrah bomb. With time it becomes a much more delineated syrah fruit bomb with an earthy finish. We tasted this against a 2010 Saxum Broken Stones and while I am sure not an even match, the Gramercy outclassed the Saxum for flavor and complexity. BRAVO GREG HARRINGTON. A great wine.
2008 Gramercy John Lewis Reserve Syrah
Huge, stinky syrah bomb. With time it becomes a much more delineated syrah fruit bomb with an earthy finish. We tasted this against a 2010 Saxum Broken Stones and while I am sure not an even match, the Gramercy outclassed the Saxum for flavor and complexity. BRAVO GREG HARRINGTON. A great wine.
Began balsamic/soy/berry, a bit viscous. After 2 hours of air, the weight lifted and it took on classic Syrah characteristics and was really impressive. Give a good long decant or more time.
Began balsamic/soy/berry, a bit viscous. After 2 hours of air, the weight lifted and it took on classic Syrah characteristics and was really impressive. Give a good long decant or more time.
Jan 23rd, 2016
Popped in anticipation of tomorrow's release. Just starting to open up after 2 hours. That cyclone of flavor is still locked up pretty tight but those outer bands taste darn good.
Popped in anticipation of tomorrow's release. Just starting to open up after 2 hours. That cyclone of flavor is still locked up pretty tight but those outer bands taste darn good.
Feb 4th, 2014