2015 Syrah Roskamp Vineyard Block Two

The vineyard site is a southwest facing promontory of the Snipes Mountain ridgetop in the Yakima Valley. Planted in 1998, the soil is stony: rounded pebbles, cobbles and sand from the riverbed of the ancestral Columbia River which once flowed here eons ago. Later tectonic activity uplifted this gravelly soil which now rests 300 feet above the valley floor. This spectacular site is well drained and exposed, imparting low vigor and yields to the Phelps clone Syrah.

On the nose: Effusive red fruits, allspice, and dried cherry lead to violet, cedar, sandalwood and wet stone. The palate is round and juicy with cherry, cocoa, firm tannins and slight espresso on the finish. This wine will pair especially well with duck and lamb as well as braised beef or eggplant dishes.