WASHINGTON
SYRAH
93 Sleight of Hand 2016 Funkadelic Funk Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley). This is the return of this Rocks District wine to the lineup after a several year absence. Aged 20 months in neutral oak, the aromas exude appealing notes of black olive tapenade, smoked meat, potpourri and fire pit. The palate shows exquisite balance, intensity and restraint to the fruit and savory flavors. A pleasing sense of freshness and a hyperextended finish cap it off. Editors’ Choice. —S.S.
abv: 14.8% Price: $60
91 Sleight of Hand 2016 Psychedelic Stoney Vine Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley). Grilled and fresh asparagus, soot, wet rock, black pepper, black olive brine and herb aromas lead to light, elegantly styled fruit and savory flavors that bring a sense of delicacy. It’s a very pretty interpretation of this site—the winery’s most elegant to date. —S.S.
abv: 13.8% Price: $60
91 Va Piano 2016 Stoney Vine Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley). Hailing from the Rocks District, with aromas that pop with notes of green herb, green olive, fire pit, flower and charcuterie, leaning hard into the savory. Light, palate coating flavors follow. —S.S.
abv: 14.2% Price: $65
90 Damsel 2015 Stillwater Creek Vineyard Syrah (Columbia Valley). The aromas are light, with notes of dark fruit and herb. Ripe, full-bodied fruit flavors follow. The tannins give a light squeeze at first, loosening their grip over time. —S.S.
abv: 14.8% Price: $30
Most of the fruit
