2008 Columbia Valley Syrah

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 2007 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, 2008 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

All lots in this wine were fermented separately, and racked to barrel for Malolactic fermentation. It was then blended in July of 2009 and again in December 2009 before being bottled in March of 2010.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

Dark garnet to the rim. Blackberries and ripe currant dominate the nose, with just a hint of the traditional meaty tone of previous vintages. The 2008 vintage offers an elegant, more refined profile across the palate, exhibiting perfect balance and fine, silky texture. This wine carries plenty of weight, yet displays it with a high degree of polish. Overall, a more refined vintage with all of the forward fruit characteristics of the 2007 release.