2007 Columbia Valley Syrah

View Winemaker's Tasting Notes Video

Philosophy

Matthews made a sharp change in 2006 for their Syrah program. Our idea of what Syrah was in Washington state changed and we began to try and produce a Syrah that we think Washington is more condusive to. We wanted to showcase a wine with hints of smoke followed by rich fruit, bits of game and smoked meat. The thing that we have in Washington is the abilty to get the dark game and smoke aromatics that are more common to cooler climate syrah, with the the texture and depth that rich fruit can bring. Our 2006 Syrah showed a move towards that direction, athough the next few vintages show continued evolution towards our original goal.

Growing Season

Hot summer weather gave way to cool conditions in mid-September. When temperatures remained cool through October under clear skies, 2007 became a vintage when hang time counted for flavor, not alcohol. In total the vintage was nearly flawless for producing deep concentrated wines with bright aromatics and understated tannins.

Winemaking

This wine was fermented in concrete, and racked to barrel for Malolactic fermentation. It was then blended in July of 2008 and again in December 2008 before being bottled in March of 2009.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

Dense garnet color, with notes of ripe plum, fig and blood orange, balanced with a hint of baking spices and tobacco. Left alone for a few minutes and then smelled without swirling, you get this amazing floral note reminiscent of stargazer lilies. This wine is impressive with its meaty viscous texture and a little pop of minerality. Rich, thick and seamless, a ripe opulent Syrah with perfectly integrated tannins and a wine I am absolutely proud to have my name on.

For the best experience, enjoy the wine in a Pinot Noir glass, ideally the Oregon Pinot Noir glass with a rolled lip.