HORS CATEGORIE Syrah 2016

Wine Region: Washington - USA

Grape: Syrah 

Tasting notes: “The 2016 Syrah is almost shy on the nose, compact and focused, waiting to hit the palate with red fruit that is mineral and floral at the same time. The real magic happens when you taste the wine. It's like watching a jumbo jet land for the first time and wondering how something so massive could literally appear weightless as it lands. The wine glides across the palate effortlessly with focus and precision and evolves with layers, showing depth and breadth in an instant. The Syrah quietly explodes with textural appeal and peppercorn notes that linger and linger, turning to soft smoky meat with blackberry jus. Long and drawn out, the finish is long and contemplative, continuing to wind down an ever-changing path with tones of mineral tension... The finish continues to be pulled longer and longer as if it were made of taffy... Absolutely stunning, bravo!” – The Wine Advocate

About the winery:
It's in 2005 that Christophe Baron discovered the Hors Catégorie Vineyard site. In 2011, Hors Categorie was the first vineyard planted on the steep slope along the North Fork of the Walla Walla River. It’s a rare terroir, absolutely unique in America, with a climate, exposure and topography creating an incomparable wine-growing estate. The vineyard is farmed biodynamically, as all of Christophe Baron’s vineyards are, and in the pasture 150 feet below, cows, goats, sheep, beehives and other wildlife complete the natural ecosystem.

Expert Rating:
Wine Advocate: 99/100