Crunchy blackberry, kalamata olive, juicy black currant. Crushed dark cherry, smoldering incense, black licorice. Wild black raspberry, tart blueberry, and boysenberry lead a tense and brambly procession of foraged berry fruit through a ringer of sagebrush, juniper, and infatuating wild herbs. Notes of potpourri, violet, and iris emerge to reveal contemplative floral overtones before anise, dill, fennel, and thyme retakes control with a barrage of captivating herbal depth. Higher-toned spices including nutmeg, clove, and red pepper flakes combine with bittersweet chocolate and dark roast coffee to provide expansiveness and lift before impressions of grilled red meat, aus jus, iron, and suede leather expose a sanguine and savory edge. Tart, tightly wound, and exceptionally well balanced on the palate; exhibiting gorgeous feral complexity expressed with youthful vibrancy. Medium plus in body with elevated tannin and fresh acidity. This 2017 Estate Red Mountain Syrah by Hedges Family Estate is a serious, structured, and age worthy red from Washington. 

Located at the eastern end of the Yakima Valley on a singular southwest facing slope, Red Mountain is a tiny winegrowing appellation known as the source of some of Washington State's most complex and profound red wine. This bottling, crafted by Hedges Family Estate using Syrah sourced from their biodynamic estate vineyard on Red Mountain, showcases the astounding depth and herbal complexity that seems to be inherent in the wines this region regardless of variety. This radiates serious yet balanced fruit and prioritizes freshness right alongside concentration, yet it is its incredible savory, spiced, and herbal side that truly defines its profile. While still young this wine is already showing impressively well and brilliantly reflects its world class Red Mountain terroir. Well done.