Gallo’s Washington state program continues to grow, and yet its Composition remains a great value. Sean Hails now makes more 250,000 cases from his Sunnyside production facility, and his latest edition of Composition is based on Syrah (70%), with Malbec (13%), Petit Verdot (5%), Merlot and Mourvèdre making small contributions. Aromas of sweet black fruit come with the gaminess one can expect from Syrah, along with horehound, lavender, charcoal and baking spices. On the juicy palate, it turns deep purple with blackberry and blueberry flavors before picking up elderberry skin tannins that lead to a finish of anise and baking chocolate. The culinary team at Columbia Winery’s historic tasting room in Woodinville suggests pairing this with duck, lamb or ratatouille. And it’s not common to find this wine in the marketplace priced a dollar or two less.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 43,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
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