Self-taught winemaker Stephen Reustle grows Syrah in both of his vineyards — Romancing Rock and Prayer Rock – accounting for 6 of the 40 acres planted across his bucolic 200-acre estate near Roseburg, Ore. He recently achieved his greatest international honor with his work with the red Rhône variety when his 2012 Masada Bloc bottling topped the Six Nations Wine Challenge in Australia. This young release flashes purple fruit aromas of blueberry, plum and elderberry along with dark toast, spice and venison. That wild gaminess comes through to the palate with some plummy hedonism, framed by lingering blueberry skin tannins. Its long finish hints at Western serviceberry and more elderberry. The Reustles enjoy serving this Syrah with barbecued ribs, a peppered rib eye or a cheese plate with pecorino.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 475 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
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