The Elephant Seven Wine Co. 2014 River Rock Vineyard Telegram Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $35
River Rock Vineyard in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, the fascinating sub-AVA of the Walla Walla Valley, played a supporting role in the E7 First and Mercer Grenache. Here, it’s a 1-acre, 3-ton soliloquy for Dana Dibble’s vineyard, established in 2001 using Tablas Creek clone. Winemaker/owner Joshua West harvested this lot on Oct. 4, and he pulled from his experience at Dusted Valley, Cadaretta and Figgins to help develop a plummy nose with Marionberry and vanilla, sweet herbs and rose petal florals. Marionberry jam and baking spices lead the flavors, backed by bright boysenberry acidity and savory notes to make for a balanced Syrah as juiciness washes over tannins.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 114 cases
Alcohol: 13.4%
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