Cloudlift Cellars 2014 Zephyr Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre, Columbia Valley, $34
Arianses Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope near Desert Aire, a favored site by a number of Seattle’s urban winemakers, is farmed by talented viticulturist Tom Merkle. His work provides the backbone of Syrah (44%) for this GSM-style blend with equal parts of Grenache and Mourvèdre from Elephant Mountain in the Rattlesnake Hills. SoDo vintner Tom Stangeland merely provides some polish to that fruit, which begins with aromas of black cherry, dark strawberry and light toast. Rich dark purple fruit flavors of blackberry jam and blueberry make for a rather voluptuous structure and lovely finish. He’s able to ship his Cloudlift Cellars wines to more than 30 states.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 172 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
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