While Syrah has become one of the most successful varieties in Washington, I have until now steered clear of a 100% Syrah at Brian Carter Cellars, feeling that the best Syrah is usually found in blends where it adds color, softens tannins and provides length to the palate. A few years ago, I started adding stems to the fermentation which after some aging turned the wine into something much more complex and added to its cellaring potential. In 2014 I liked the results so much from the outstanding Syrah block at Stone Tree Vineyard that we decided to bottle 6 barrels on their own. Enjoy!
Impenetrably dark in color, the wine has a complex nose of blackberry, earth, meat, and black pepper spice. On the palate, the wine is again a complex mixture of dark fruit and spice with a touch of Herbs de Provence. A full round mid-palate is balanced by noticeable tannins promising a wine of some aging ability. Serve with lamb sausages grilled with mushrooms and assorted vegetables.
Sign up for our Brian Carter Cellar email newsletter and keep up to date with all we are doing.