Few winemakers in the Northwest have access to Port-style varieties for their fortified programs, but long-hanging Syrah grapes have proven to be an excellent substitute. This Prosser, Wash., winery relishes the ripeness of Newhouse Vineyard on Snipes Mountain, and berries at 30 Brix deliver for Gordon Taylor’s Decade Series project. After the Oct. 8 and six days fermenting at 86 degrees, he aged these six barrels for four years. By this point, it offers yummy aromas of cordial cherry, almonds and chocolate-covered marshmallow. The flavor profile is loaded with blueberry syrup, mocha and vanilla bourbon amid a structure that shows a steady hand on the throttle when it comes to the alcohol. Suggested pairings include baked Brie with French bread, Chocolate Mousse, poached pears, blue cheese and Ben & Jerry’s famous Cherry Garcia Ice Cream.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 140 cases
Alcohol: 18%
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