K Vintners • Syrah The Hidden 2014

Grandiose Syrah-Kunst aus Washington State

Syrah The Hidden Northridge Vineyard 2014

K Vintners - Charles Smith

Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

Wine Advocate 231 (Juni 2017) (Parker/Dunnuck)

99/100

I continue to feel that this is one of the top Syrahs coming out Washington today, and it certainly doesn't get the notoriety it deserves. The 2014 Syrah The Hidden Northridge Vineyard is up there with the best of them and comes from a 93-acre vineyard that lies on a south-facing, gravel slope in the foothills of the Saddle Mountain range. This is one of the warmest and driest regions in the state. This deep ruby/purple tinged effort offers a sensational, deep, rich and concentrated style that closes down quickly in the glass. Black cherries, wet earth, lavender and incense characteristics dominate the bouquet, and it has a core of sweet fruit, ripe tannin and a blockbuster finish. Give bottles 2-4 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following decade or more.

One of my favorite tastings during my Washington trip is with Charles Smith and his right-hand man, Brenna Leighton. They have one of the most stacked lineups out there and their 2014s and 2015s are stunning across the board. Also, don't miss the Wines of Substance reviews in this report; these are the Bordeaux blends made by this team. All of the K Vintners see little to no destemming, native fermentations and aging in French oak. As I've said in the past, these wines are the real deal!