Gramercy Cellars Walla Walla Valley Syrah 2018

USA : WASHINGTON : WALLA WALLA VALLEY Syrah, Viognier MED-FULL BODIED, PURPLE PLUM, OLIVE, BLACK PEPPER, VIOLET, NEUTRAL OAK Greg Harrington left his Master Sommelier career in New York after a trip through the northern Rhône convinced him Washington State could produce Syrah at that level. The 2018 Walla Walla Valley blend — drawn from the Forgotten Hills, Les Collines, and Holy Roller vineyards — makes a serious argument that he was right. Fermented with 58% whole clusters and aged 17 months in French oak at just 6% new, this is a wine built for structure and aromatic complexity, not extraction. Purple plum, crushed peppercorn, olive tapenade, and violet on the nose; the palate is silky and vibrant, with a lift from the Viognier co-ferment that's more felt than tasted. 94 points Wine & Spirits. "It's mildly smoky, mildly spicy from whole clusters in the fermentation, the flavors of purple plum and mint and olive bearing a quiet hum of energy, held in check by fine, polished tannins." PAIRINGS : Grilled lamb chops black pepper and herb notes echo the gamey richness — a classic Rhône pairing Smoked duck breast whole-cluster smokiness and dark fruit find a natural counterpart Wild mushroom risotto earthy umami mirrors the wine's savory, olive tapenade character

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