2011 Syrah Walla Walla Valley
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Syrah Walla Walla offers pretty red and black fruits, peat, loamy earth, ground pepper and plenty of herbal notes to go with a medium-bodied, rounded and beautifully textured feel on the palate. Overall supple and yet nicely focused and pure, it has solid mid-palate depth and building, fine tannin on the finish. It’s a beautiful effort in a difficult vintage and will have 10 to 12 years of prime drinking. 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
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
(from Les Collines vines planted to the Phelps clone; vinified with 50% whole clusters): Bright, deep medium red. Red raspberry, pepper and spices on the lively nose. A juicy, firmly built midweight with red berry and leather flavors complicated by a saline element. Finishes with serious building tannins and excellent length. This tightly wound syrah is carrying a moderate 13.1% alcohol. Owner/winemaker Greg Harrington noted that he did not pick any fruit in 2011 until October 15.