2016 In the Rocks Syrah

The 2016 Syrah In The Rocks has a tart core of black fruit on the nose, with a touch of flowers and a firm base of minerality that almost overpowers the black pepper and oak spices. The wine is medium to full-bodied on the palate, with some good minerality and grippy tannins that show the same seriousness as the "In the Hills" bottling of the same range. It has a focused, linear expression on the finish with a mineral grip and tannic edge. 673 cases made.

Made from 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, all from the Rocks region of Walla Walla, the 2016 Syrah Estate In The Rocks is slightly deeper colored than the Contender release and has an incredibly complete, balanced style that checks in near the top of the vintage. Blackberries, ground pepper, olive, and smoked meat notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, ultra-fine, pure Syrah that has a terrific mid-palate, superb balance, and a great, great finish. Reminding me of a mature Hermitage with its aromatic style and complexity, it's great today and will be great in 15 years.

Deep medium red. Musky aromas of dark cherry, mocha and olive tapenade. Wonderfully pliant, plush wine with good peppery lift and harmonious acidity framing the flavors of raspberry, mocha, brown spices, game and warm stones. There's a glyceral quality here for the vintage that suggests this site can really shine in late, slow-ripening growing seasons. Wonderfully plush, smooth wine with perfectly supported, horizontal tannins and lovely rising length. This is almost too good right now but has the structure and energy to age. Very sexy juice. (13.5% alcohol)