2018 Elephant Seven River Rock Vineyard Syrah

The translucent ruby-hued 2018 Syrah River Rock Vineyard is another peppery, gamey Syrah from the Rocks region of the Walla Walla Valley. Mostly destemmed and brought up in 25% new French oak, it’s medium to full-bodied and light on its feet, with a slightly straightforward style on the palate, and still has outstanding notes of darker plum fruit, pepper, and gamey meats. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years.

Good ruby-red; actually brightened in color as it absorbed oxygen. Blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, crushed rock, musky herbs and mocha on the nose. Supple, fine-grained Syrah with lovely sweetness to its rather plush black fruit and cocoa powder flavors. An element of salinity buffers the wine's subtle sweetness and gives it early accessibility, with an element of floral energy providing lift. With noteworthy palate presence and concentration, this soil-driven Syrah finishes with seamless tannins and very good subtle length. Showed plenty of energy with 24 hours in the recorked bottle.