Winemaker Notes
While this robust Syrah reveals alluring aromas of red and black berries and candied fruit, it is the layers of scorched earth, black tea, crushed rose petals and minerality that make it so mesmerizing. On the palate it is intense and juicy, with robust tannins and savory underpinnings of beef tartare and charcuterie adding depth and complexity to flavors of black raspberry, ripe strawberry and violets.
Production
The 2021 vintage will be famous for its warm growing season and its drought conditions, which combined to produce historically low yields. While budbreak was two weeks ahead of normal thanks to a warm, dry spring, blustery weather during flowering caused some shatter leading to very low yields. A late-June heatwave led to incredible phenolic development, while a second heatwave during veraison spurred the vines towards early ripening. Harvest started early, with ideal weather throughout September and October, and concluded two weeks ahead of schedule without any pressure from frost or rain. With average Cabernet Sauvignon yields in Walla Walla Valley of just 1.4 tons per acre, our 2021 wines display incredible power, ripeness and intensity.