K vintners the beautiful syrah 2020 (Charles Smith)

Drink now or cellar for another 12 years. No need to decant before serving. Charles Smith has a reputation for producing many of Washington State’s finest Syrah wines and has even been named Winemaker of the Year aby both Food & Wine and aby Wine Enthusiast magazines. The self-taught winemaker fell in love with wine while touring Europe as a rock band manager and later returned home to pursue his new interest in the pristine lands of Washington State. This single vineyard Syrah is made exclusively with fruit from the Powerline Estate Vineyard, a 38 acre site which was planted in the Walla Walla Valley at some 1200 feet of elevation. Here the well-draining soils, high elevation, and warm summers help to produce rich yet balanced fruit with plenty of complexity. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented using wild yeasts and then aged in 43% new French oak barrels for 20 months. Intense notes of blueberry, black cherry and plum dominate on the nose while the first sip reveals a punchy full body, firm tannins, and a solid core of ripe black fruit on the palate. The delicate balance between power and elegance makes this a great wine to enjoy now or to cellar for a few more years.