Hors Categorie Syrah 2021

Deep and intense syrah with compelling aromas of rich blue and black fruit, rust, ash, bay leaves, cracked pepper, crushed rock and grilled meat. It’s firm, full-bodied and powerful. Firm and solid tannin frame. It’s like staring down into a dark and bottomless well. Around 90% stems included. From biodynamically grown grapes on a very steep slope of up to 60 degrees. Try from 2028.

The fruit for this stunning Syrah is sourced from a steeply sloped vineyard in the Blue Mountains. Its mixed black-fruit aromas dominate traces of chai tea spices and a meaty note that will have you hankering for bacon. The wine's graceful and elegant mouthfeel caresses flavors of black cherry, cedar and pipe tobacco.

The 2021 Syrah is open and expressive, initially bursting with a ripe, seductive nose that slowly unfurls from the glass. Impeccably layered, it features fresh red and purple flowers intertwining with notes of charred beef tenderloin, dusty plums and black cherry essence. Medium-bodied, the palate is fresh, elegant and espresso-tinged, revealing layers of umami and turned earth. Savory essences emerge with beautifully balanced tannins and acidity, culminating in notes of charred plum skin with graphite. You'll be tempted to open this far too soon; decanting is surely in order if you do. Crafted from 100% Syrah, this wine was aged in a combination of neutral and third-fill demi-muids for 18 months before bottling. 3,756 bottles were made.

Planted on very steep slopes at the convergence of the north and south forks of the Walla Walla River, the Hors Catégorie vineyards are a sight to behold—aromatics of bramble fruits, lavender and a touch of meaty depth. The palate offers tart Montmorency cherries, spicy chicory root and concentrated intense mineral notes; singed violets are all part of this intriguing and elegant wine that flashes plenty of muscle.