The Yakima Valley is the birthplace for some of the tastiest Syrahs from Washington, and Carlton, Ore., winemaker Ron Helbig sourced this from Crawford Vineyard near Prosser. Its two years in French oak helps create complexity to the nose of blackberry jam, black cherry, vanilla extract, Jolly Rancher grape candy, anise and shoe polish. Those black fruit flavors spill out on the palate, along with chocolate-covered pomegranate and vanilla bean. Helbig is not embarrassed about the alcohol by volume, yet the drink is balanced and that alcohol helps build the mouth feel by rounding out the sizable tannins. Yet, subtle complexity of forest floor and minerality still make their way into the finish. This is ready to enjoy now.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 100 cases
Alcohol: 16.6%
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