Dusted Valley Vintners 2012 Stoney Vine Vineyard Tall Tales Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $53
These brothers-in-law from Wisconsin produce some of the most hedonistic wines in the Northwest, and their estate Stoney Vine Vineyard in the proposed The Rocks of Milton-Freewater American Viticultural Area has quickly developed into a sweet spot for their Rhône program. Aromas of black currant jam, macerated Bing cherry, blackberry and milk chocolate do not disappoint. The entry is huge and jammy with cherry jam and chocolate brownie flavors, leading into a midpalate that’s mellifluous, supple and lengthy.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 300 cases
Alcohol: 14.7%
Reflection Vineyards 2011 Syrah, Yakima Valley, $33
This young boutique winery in the Rattlesnake Hills near Zillah, Wash., has made an impression with its excellent work across the board, starting with Bordeaux varieties off their estate and also this Syrah. Blackberry and dark plum aromas pick up hints of toasted walnut, tobacco and allspice. Kent VanArnam’s reliance on free-run juice rather than pressed wine shows on the palate where the medium structure is acid-driven with flavors of boysenberry and blueberry, while the tannins that sit in the background seem driven by fine-grain wood tannin.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 52 cases
Alcohol: 13.7%
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