BLOCK 18 SYRAH

In 2010 we took a chance on some fifth-leaf Syrah fruit, simply looking for a new site and flavor profile, so if nothing else we could use it to add complexity into a blend. We took a gamble on two blocks of Syrah - different clones - that no one really knew much about about 100 miles away. None of this made a lot of sense. Despite their young age, what we ended up with was two blocks of powerful, amazing Syrah. Block 18 is planted with the Entav 179 Clone, with origins in the northern part of the Rhone region of France. It ripens late in the season, and matures incredibly slowly. The wine it produces is intensely dark - nearly black, with a distinctively savory quality about it. You really just have to try it! The Block 19 Syrah from Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope was the first Syrah to exhibit the qualities we were looking for from the variety. Made from the 877 clone, with its 'roots' (punn intended) in Southern France, this Syrah is produced with a focus on minimal intervention. We leave it on its lees for an extended period of time, stirring those lees early in its cellaring. The wine will spend 22 - 24 months in barrel. It is unfined and unfiltered, with incredibly dark yet lively fruit, and a smoky aromatic substructure. Music - 'Mechanism' Artist - Tommy Guerrero and Gadget