2007 Charles Smith Wines Syrah Heart Stoneridge Vineyard

The Charles Smith wines begin with the 2007 Heart Syrah sourced from the Stone Ridge Vineyard in the Royal Slope. It was aged entirely in neutral oak. Earth, underbrush, truffle, brier, game, bacon, and blueberry aromas lead to a loaded, super-rich, unctuous, full-bodied Syrah. Mouth-filling, already complex, and multi-dimensional, it has exceptional length and impeccable balance. Give it 3-4 years to become a bit more civilized and enjoy it from 2014 to 2027. Over the past two years a cult following has sprung up around the persona of Charles Smith, imbuing him with larger than life attributes. By and large, he has acquired this status the old-fashioned way, he has earned it. When I tell enquiring minds that I’ll be visiting Charles later in the day, they know exactly where I’m going. Once past the persona, however, Charles Smith continues to make some of Washington’s finest wines. Native yeast fermentation, foot crushing, spontaneous malolactic fermentations, gentle basket pressing, no fining or filtration are routinely practiced in the cellar. Even more important, Charles Smith knows where to find the great grapes. In a region where blending is still the rule of thumb, he is the ultimate terroirist. Almost all of his wines are sourced from single vineyards. There are three groupings, the K Vintners selections, The Cayuse selections, and the Charles Smith selections. Tel. (509) 526-5230; www.kvintners.com