2018 Betz Family Syrah Domaine de Pierres

Coming from the Ancient Stones Vineyard in the Rocks region of Walla Walla, the 2018 Syrah Domaine De Pierres is 100% Syrah that was not destemmed and was brought up in a mix of small and larger barrels. Classic Rocks notes of red and blue fruits, peppered game, exotic flowers, sweet mulch, and other herbal and cedary notes define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a soft, rounded texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. While it has plenty of funkiness, it also has ample fruit as well as purity. It's approachable today yet will keep for 10-15 years. The style at Betz has changed subtly over the past handful of years, with winemaker Louis Skinner imparting his own style. The wines today are slightly less concentrated, and the deep, inky purple color preferred by the previous winemaker, Bob Betz, has been replaced with a more vivid ruby/purple hue that’s not always opaque. I love the overall balance of the wines today and I think taken as a whole, the new style emphasizes elegance and age-worthiness over sheer richness and power. Most of these 2018s should be given at least a few years in the cellar and will have broad drink windows. Louis is one of the most intelligent and inquisitive winemakers out there and he’s doing a fabulous job with these wines.

Coming from the Ancient Stones vineyard in the Rocks District of Walla Walla Valley, comes the 2018 Syrah Domaine de Pierres is 100% Syrah and was made with 100% whole-cluster fermentation. The wine is deep ruby colored and opens to a nose that is immediately impressive, showcasing a high-toned red-berry fruit essence with a mineral tension. Seductive aromas of black raspberry, nuances of smoked meats, black pepper and cherry blossom tones emanate from the glass. Medium-bodied but jam-packed with complexity, flavors of black cherry and dusty pepper skin begin to tie the tongue with flavors of dried herbs, hung and curing sausages with a red fruit compote expression. The structure and balance are completely mind-blowing, and the wine ends with a long, winding, evolving and complex finish. Boom! This is absolutely stellar by the way that shines through with beauty and elegance and will age like a champ. Only 3,000 bottles were produced.