Longtime Oregon winemaker David O’Reilly recently added a production facility near Union Gap, Wash., across the Yakima Valley from Mike Sauer’s historic planting of Syrah — the first in the state for the late David Lake. Nearly an even split of fruit from the West and East blocks sets the stage for intense aromas of dusty blueberry, dark plum, enticing dark chocolate and bacon fat. The fluid is rich and thick on the entry with dark plum and boysenberry flavors that are met with plump tannins. Its finish brings bright acidity that hints at juicy boysenberry and pomegranate. Thanks to its construction, this Syrah will improve over the next decade.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 667 cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
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