SHOP / 2020 Red Willow Syrah

Varietal
Appellation
Yakima Valley AVA
Aging
Drink Now or Age 5 to 12 Years
Vineyard

2020 Red Willow Syrah
Yakima Valley AVA
For DeLille, the 2020 vintage marked our inaugural opportunity to work with Syrah from Red Willow Vineyard, one of our oldest and most stalwart vineyard partners. We love the idea of having the first Syrah planted in Washington (1986 planting) as a distinct bottling, however our tradition of blending proved that combining this venerable old block with the 2000 planting from the same site resulted in a more complete wine. The 86 block offers aromas of smoked meats, green peppercorn, and pipe tobacco, while bringing beautiful richness to the palate. The 00 block delivers red plum and wild boysenberry notes, while also bringing a sense of freshness to the wine that balances out its dense counterpart. The silky structure leads to a long finish; the wine is sure to evolve wonderfully in the bottle. Enjoy now or cellar for 12-15 years.
95 Points
— James Suckling
95 Points
This has aromas of blackberries, graphite, black olives, cherry stones and violets. Fragrant and flavorful with a full body and firm, polished tannins. Delicious salty undertones to the black fruit. Long, too. Drink or hold.
April 2023
Additional Scores:
93
Robert Parker
92
Wine Enthusiast
92
Jeb Dunnuck
Behind the Wine
2020 Red Willow Syrah
Nowhere on earth does the venerable Syrah grapevine feel more at home than in the arid and sun-drenched Yakima Valley of Washington State. Both the sandy loam soils and cool nights contribute to crafting a wine with incredible generosity of flavors and spices, qualities that elevate Syrah into an unparalleled category.

Vineyards
One of the oldest in Washington, Red Willow holds the distinction of pioneering Syrah for the region. Working with MW David Lake, who consulted for us in the winery’s formative years, Syrah was planted at the site in the 1970s.

Winemaking
Cold soaked 24 hours, fermented on skin 14-19 days, partial whole-cluster, aged 20 months in 100% French oak (33% new).