This old block of Syrah at Red Willow Vineyard (Washington State’s oldest) provides amazing “dark” consistency regardless of the year’s growing conditions. We always net a black/purple wine, rich texture and subtle power, but the brooding profile in 2012 is another step up. It’s the darkest color of our three syrahs (no small feat), its darkness all encompassing: aroma, flavor and texture are consistently “black”. Sweet blackberry, plum, spicy pepper and smoke lead the aromatics, with a bit of wild roasted meat. Despite the sheer volume of fruit, there’s a charming presence of subtle blueberry, crushed dried herbs, roasted grain. The palate is huge, concentrated yet with fine grain tannins. This seeming dichotomy of size and yet delicacy must be soil driven: the ancient, pre-Missoula Flood soils provide a challenging, low fertility medium for the vines and, to this observer, deliver finesse and elegance to the wine. Hard to resist now, tuck this away as well; long cellaring will reward with increased complexity.

Blending Detail and Aging Profile

Blending Detail:

• 100% Syrah 

Aging Profile:

• Best from 2015 through 2024+    
• Serve cool, 60-62°F

AVA & Vineyard Detail:

Red Willow Vineyard, west end of the Yakima Valley

Acclaim

Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate,  96

A cuvee that’s not produced in every vintage, the 2012 Cote Patriarche comes all from the Red Willow vineyard and mostly from the oldest Syrah vines planted in Washington. Inky purple in color, with mineral-laced blackberry, cassis, crushed flowers, smoked earth and licorice, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness and depth, a seamless texture and an overriding sense of elegance that carries through the finish. Knockout stuff, it too will have 15+ years of longevity.