Dense raspberry compote, dried violet, spiced blueberry. Blackberry mash, ground pepper, chewy licorice. Black tea and mint leaf, charred applewood and smokey mesquite. Warm mouth-filling fruit dominates the attack, dripping cherry pie and fig preserve with impermeable might. Ripe strawberry decadence refuses to subside yet manages to allow space for anise, allspice, and vanilla bean to generously shine. Cool charcoal and BBQ brisket lie waiting on the back-burner for their turn at the wheel, adding even more substance to the already substantial. Luscious, juicy, and full bodied with structure to match. This 2016 Walla Walla Valley Syrah by Amavi Cellars is powerful, balanced, and beautifully modern.

The Walla Walla Valley is one of the most interesting winegrowing appellations in the Pacific Northwest. Literally translated as "Many Waters", it straddles the border between Washington and Oregon not far from the mighty Columbia River. Walla Walla boasts particularly unique soils of cobblestone gravel and loess - a very fine grained wind-blown silt - and has established its reputation as a region of tremendous potential. This bottling, crafted by Amavi Cellars using primarily Syrah and a pinch of Grenache all sourced from the Walla Walla Valley, is a wonderful example of why this region has become so highly touted. This wine possesses impressive concentration and depth, while still retaining considerable acidity and a sense of lean refreshment. This is modern new world Syrah at its best, and its no wonder wines like this from Walla Walla have elevated themselves to the status of cult-favorites.