2017 Gramercy Cellars Lagniappe Red Willow Vineyard Syrah [JD95][V93+][WE92]

Producer: Gramercy Cellars  
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington  
Varietal: Syrah, 
Year: 2017 

Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points 

"The 2017 Syrah Lagniappe comes all from the Red Willow Vineyard and was 10% destemmed and brought up in 10% new French oak. Deeper ruby/purple, with blackberry fruits interwoven with lots of ground pepper, gravelly earth, and iron-laced aromatics, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish. The balance here is spot on and it's a classic, age-worthy Syrah from this estate. Give bottles 3-5 years and it's going to evolve for over a decade." 

Vinous, 93+ Points 

"Bright medium ruby; dark for a wine from this producer.  Savory Old World perfume of crushed blackberry, licorice, peppery herbs and black olive.  Densely packed, savory and fine-grained, with an impression of peppery venosity lifting the middle palate.  Superb intensity and flavor definition here, along with a subtle sweetness.  The firm, rising back end shows strong black fruit and black olive flavors lifted by a soil-driven peppery element.  This bottling stood out in 2016 for its intensity and light touch, and this 2017 is a worthy successor, finishing with resounding palate-staining length and grip.  Ultimately, Id’ have a hard time identifying this Syrah as a Washington wine owing to its sharp definition and light touch." 

Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points 

"Coming from this esteemed site in Yakima Valley, aromas of stem, moist earth, smoked meat and black pepper are followed by tart, lip-smacking flavors that ramp up in intensity with time open. Grainy tannins back it up. It needs time to show its best. Drink after 2025. Pair it with grilled meat." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"The second vineyard designate release of Red Willow Syrah finds us blending the older and younger blocks at the site. This brings a balance of deep red fruit and earth with mid-palate intensity and aromatic complexity.  A world class Syrah.  Aged 18 months in 10% new French puncheons & barrels, 90% whole cluster."  

Alcohol: 13.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.