Joe Dobbes creates two dessert wines based on Rhône varities from harvested in Oregon’s Rogue Valley — a late-harvest Viognier and this Port-style using Syrah from Crater View Vineyard near Talent. Fruit from this planting, which is part of Don and Traute Moore’s Quail Run Vineyards, spent 22 months in barrel, but that oak program doesn’t overwhelm the Syrah character. The theme is one of Chukar Cherry, dried plums, smoked red pepper and raisins with Tootsie Roll ever-present in the background. Its structure is on the lighter side of ruby-styled Port, and the residual sugar stands at 8% with the alcohol nicely integrated. The price listed is for a 375-milliliter format.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 185 cases
Alcohol: 18.5%
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