The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Columbia Valley

Varietal   Syrah

Retail Price   $20

ABV   13.8%

Score   4 Stars/91 points

In the Glass

Deep, dark ruby red with purple edges.

The nose is wonderfully fragrant and floral with violets in the lead married with ripe cherry, plum, and cassis with hints of dark roast coffee, allspice, and vanilla.

The palate fully confirms the nose delivering a rich and concentrated fruit centric core with loads of brown baking spices, cigar box, chocolate, and sweet earth tones in support.

This is a generous Syrah with its greatest attribute being balance and complexity. It doesn't hurt that it's a pure pleasure to sip.

Cool Factor

I love complex and juicy wines and Columbia Valley has been providing wines like this for decades.

Value Grade

At $20 a bottle it's a good buy especially when you consider the quality and pure, hedonistic pleasure.

Analysis

This is one of the more "serious" marketplace wines made at the Woodhouse Wines Estates. Like many of their marketplace wines, this Syrah is made by winemakler Jean Claude Beck. His motto is "No boring wines!" I think he succeeded.

How to Enjoy

This lush Syrah needs nothing more than a glass but try it with braised meats or classic pizza.