2016 Corliss Syrah

Bright dark red. Vibrant, scented nose combines blueberry, crushed cassis, violet, espresso, spices and licorice. Then tightly wound, urgent and primary in the mouth, boasting terrific intensity to its blue fruit and violet flavors. Really bullet-proof fruit here, but also with an element of sweetness and refinement and no edges. Most impressive today on the rising whiplash of a finish, which leaves the palate stained with blue fruits and spices. Assistant winemaker George Elliott assured me that the pH was not over 3.9--and I would have guessed even lower. This wine cries out for a rare duck steak, although it won't be released until the spring of 2021. (aged in 35% new French oak puncheons for 26 months; mostly Stillwater Creek fruit)

The 2016 Columbia Valley Syrah is focused and precise on the nose, with soft floral aromas and mineral essence over a core of black fruits. The wine is full-bodied and focused in the mouth, with an expressive rocky tension and the dark fruits becoming a touch more red-focused on the mid-palate. This wine is elegant and contemplative, with lavish floral tones fluttering on the back of the palate, followed by a long finish. It is generally sent out to mailing list members and can be found in a few select restaurants around Seattle. Only 365 cases produced.