The warm western edge of Washington’s Wahluke Slope is one of the great places in the Pacific Northwest to properly ripen Syrah. The Milbrandts’ Clifton Hill Vineyard overlooks the Columbia River and often produces some of the state’s best early ripening fruit, and it is not unusual to see these grapes being brought in the first few weeks of the harvest season.
This example from winemaker Joshua Maloney is loaded with aromas and flavors of huckleberry, vanilla, Graham cracker crust and spices. It is backed by bright acidity and modest tannins, giving way to a memorable finish.
This earned a gold medal at the 2016 Cascadia Wine Competition.
Rating: Oustanding!
Production: 323 cases
Alcohol: 15%
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