Walla Walla Valley Syrah

Not as gamey as a lot of Syrah. Great balance between fruit and earth.

Dinner w markel Roberts

Holding up really well. I love cold years. Smoked meat and currant. It's great with lamb.

Peppery finish, with silky core of raspberry and black fruit. Solid.

Cassis, fig paste, bacon fat, roasted fennel. Easy to confuse with Cornas.

called it St Joseph in blind

Light on its feet. Well done.

Smoky, blackberries and soy on the nose. Blackberry/raspberry compote on the palate with hints of pepper.

Air and/or time. Really closed initially. Began to open after a few hours. Started almost mild Nebbiolo-ish. Savory components are starting at 3 hrs open.

Too much acid yet in the balance. You can tell there's a great wine here, but now it's too young. Decant 4+ hrs, or better, wait a few yrs.

After a few days this really calmed down. Fruit really opened up.

Just opened, so wishing for the fruit to come out a bit. Unmistakably Syrah and closer in style to the Northern Rhône, with crushed rocks, black pepper Nd bacon fat... This is going to get good...