WASHINGTON
SYRAH
93 Gramercy 2017 Les Collines Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley). The aromas are expressive, with notes of grilled asparagus, violet, tangerine, brown stem, green olive and grilled meat. An acid-driven palate follows, chock-full of floral flavors with a lovely sense of texture. The balance is exquisite, kicking it up a notch. If there were a Wikipedia entry for this vineyard, this wine would deserve to be referenced. Put it on the dinner table to see it at its best. Drink after 2024; it will have a long life after that. Cellar Selection. —S.S.
abv: 13% Price: $54
93 Gramercy 2016 Syrah (Walla Walla Valley). The aromas draw you into the glass, with notes of fine chopped parsley, smoked meat, citrus zest, dried stem and wet gravel. A low-alcohol, über flavorful, savory, acid-driven palate is followed by an extended finish. It’s flat-out delicious and will shine at the dinner table. Pair it with roasted pork with root vegetables. Editors’ Choice. —S.S.
abv: 12.5% Price: $42
91 Amavi 2017 Les Collines Vineyard This wine comes from one of the best Syrah vineyards in the state. Generous, appealing aromas of huckleberry, violet and green herbs lead to tightly packed, palate-coating blue fruit flavors. Orange peel and blue fruit flavors linger on the feeling. It’s a one-wine charm offensive, a perfect reflection of this vineyard. . —S.S.
