SHOP / 2021 Red Willow Syrah
Varietal
100% Syrah
Appellation
Yakima Valley AVA
Aging
Drink Now or Age 15+ Years
Vineyard
Red WIllow
2021 Red Willow Syrah
Yakima Valley AVA
Red Willow Vineyard is the furthest western vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA. At this site, grapes are grown on steep hillsides, which maximizes sun exposure and creates the perfect environment for ripening Syrah grapes. The 2021 vintage opens with pronounced aromas of black plum, roasted coffee beans and a hint of lavender. On the palate, the wine is audaciously meaty and full of concentrated dark fruits, offering flavors of blackberry compote, juniper berry and fresh violets. This wine is layered with notes of savory and dark fruits and provides subtle nuances with each sip. Enjoy now, or cellars for 15+ years.93 Points
— James Suckling
93 Points
This is a fragrant Syrah showing aromas of red cherries, manuka, charcuterie, dark plums and some tapenade. It’s full-bodied with sleek yet powerful tannins. Focused and meaty at the end. Drink or hold.
March 2024
Additional Scores:
93
Owen Bargreen
93-95
Jeb Dunnuck
Barrel Tasting, June 2023
Behind the Wine
2021 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 (14% new).