2014 Va Piano Vineyards Syrah Portteus Vineyard Black Label
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Tasting notes
(from the second-oldest Syrah block in Washington, according to Justin Wylie, where the ancient volcanic soil typically gives a peppery quality to the wines; vinified with 50% whole clusters): Bright, saturated ruby-red. Pungent aromas of black raspberry, blackcurrant, pomegranate and pepper. Bigger and spicier than the Les Collines Syrah, with its dark berry flavors showing sexy sweetness and an iodiney suggestion of bloody steak. Has the stuffing to support its seriously tannic, saline finish. Wylie uses a higher percentage of Hermitage barrels "to match the structure of this wine."
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Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
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Another inky colored effort, the 2014 Syrah Black Label Portteus Vineyard gives up tons of black/blue fruits, graphite and ample minerality in a firm, concentrated, tannic style. Short-term cellaring will be the name of the game here.