2011 Gramercy Cellars Syrah John Lewis
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Tasting notes
Giving up more bacon fat, smoked earth, green olive, tobacco leaf and assorted dark berry fruit, the brilliant 2011 Syrah John Lewis (100% Syrah aged in 20% new French oak) has full-bodied richness and depth, fabulous concentration through the mid-palate, and building tannin that emerges on the finish. It’s a gorgeous wine that will have 15 years or more of total longevity and should not be missed. Master Sommelier turned winemaker, Greg Harrington is fashioning some of the top wines in Washington from his base in Walla Walla. His 2011s showed beautifully from barrel last year, and didn’t disappoint this year from bottle. His 2012s will be even better. Tel. (509) 876-2427; www.gramercycellars.com
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
(just 12.6% alcohol; vinified with 100% whole clusters; aged in 20% new oak): Good medium-deep red. Old World nose offers red berries, hot rocks, smoke, pepper, herbs and roast coffee. Supple and silky but less filled in today than the Lagniappe. Sexy rocky, smoky, iodiney flavors deliver impressive complexity for the wine's moderate alcohol level. Finishes with rather suave tannins and very good length. Harrington noted that he has upped his percentage of new oak in 2010 and 2011 and is experimenting with new puncheons.