2021 Obelisco Syrah
Blend: 88% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot
AVA: Red Mountain
Vineyards: Red Heaven, Obelisco
Bottling: 405 cases
Barrels: 30% new; 100% French
Tasting Notes: The wine has intense, dark purple color, with aromas of brambleberry, cocoa, black pepper, and baking spice. On the palate, the texture is lush and silky allowing this wine to be inviting, but also versatile. It can stand up to roasted meats, but also pair beautifully with more earthy dishes like mushroom risotto.
Cellaring: Syrah is a youthful grape showing bright fruit and a silky texture. It is drinkable immediately, but if you enjoy aging your wine, the natural acidity and concentration of this Syrah will allow it to age gracefully for 10-15 years.
Production: The fruit for this wine is from Red Heaven on Red Mountain and is the Sara Lee clone. Traditionally, this clone is a more fruit forward Syrah, with subtle aromas of black pepper and spice. During fermentation we carefully monitored temperatures to enhance the black fruit characters, while still producing a Syrah with a classic, silky texture. Small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were added from the Obelisco vineyard to add complexity, structure and balance.
Harvest notes: 2021 was a warm year in Washington State. The heat dome that occurred in June reduced berry size and cluster size producing wines with amazing intensity. The vines managed the heat stress well and the grapes ripened evenly and sugars and flavors developed in balance. In typical fashion, September and October were cool, allowing the grapes to retain acidity and freshness. The 2021 wines show classic Washington ripeness matched with elegance and brightness.
