As the latest “Rhône Ranger” to ride into the Pacific Northwest, Doug Frost is the latest Master of Wine to set up shop in the Walla Walla Valley and create a serious cool-climate example of Syrah that offers a bit of crunch, sans the funk. An attractive nose of blueberry, lavender, mint and marshmallow includes a dash of white pepper. More purple fruit comes through on the palate — Marionberry pie, boysenberry and more blueberry — as the inclusion of stems (75%) at fermentation brings a subtle sense of the “nervier” tannin structure that Frost says he desires. And the pomegranate juice in the finish takes the food-friendly approach to another level. Frost harvested this site earlier than most in the first attempt at this style for his new brand, and resident winemaker Taylor Oswald helped to achieve a standard going forward.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 350 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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