2012 Gramercy Cellars Syrah Columbia Valley

(a new bottling basically made from the outtakes from Harrington’s other Syrahs, but includes a good bit of fruit from the Rocks; vinified with 25% whole clusters): Bright dark red. Rather wild, musky aromas of currant and coffee are lifted by a floral note. Suave on entry, then quite dry in the middle, offering moderate depth to the flavors of dark berries, smoke, game and licorice. Can’t match the best of these 2012s for flavor intensity or depth but this is a good choice for early consumption. Finishes with slightly dusty tannins.

Moving to the 2012’s, and the first vintage for the cuvee, the 2012 Syrah Columbia Valley comes all from The Rocks region of Walla Walla in 2012, but will incorporate grapes from other regions throughout the Columbia Valley going forward (hence the Colombia Valley AVA). Tasted as a final blend, it offers impressive pepper, bacon fat and assorted dark fruit qualities to go with a medium to full-bodied, classy, perfumed and layered profile on the palate. Possessing solid concentration, good mid-palate density and superb length, it’s a beautiful Washington State Syrah that will drink well for 10 to 15 years. 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