Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesComing from the Upland vineyard, the 2018 Syrah Cattle King underwent whole-cluster fermentation and displays a dark ruby core with a soft magenta edge. Aromas of dark red fruit tones sway out of the glass with elements of black pepper and raspberry-glazed smoked meats followed by plum blossom and purple flowers. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is nimble, focused and precise, displaying incredible complexity with flavors of blackberry compote and smoked plums followed by subtle dusty spice tones and fine-grained tannins across the mid-palate. The finish lingers with delightful, high-toned, dark red fruit notions compounded by a lovely potpourri essence. Only 5,688 bottles were produced after the wine rested for 21 months on the lees in 56% new oak puncheons. It's deliciously juicy. Bravo! Rating : 94+
A wiry red, with tightly focused black cherry, grilled anise and smoked pepper flavors that build grip and tension toward well-buffed tannins. Best after 2024.
Located at the base of the Blue Mountains in Walla Walla Washington, K Vintners opened its doors to the public on December 3rd, 2001. The property at 820 Mill Creek Road where the winery sits was homesteaded in 1853 with the adjacent farmhouse built in 1872. The winery grounds with Titus Creek flowing through the lawn and the old pioneer planted trees, is a little slice of heartland Americana. The Winemaker: He loves to drink wine! Charles Smith, proprietor and winemaker, comes to Walla Walla after 11 years in Scandanavia. Originally from northern California, he has been involved with wine personally and professionally his whole life. And did we forget to mention... he loves to drink wine! The Vineyards: K Vintners is producing wines from 2 distinctive viticultural zones: Wahluke Slope and Walla Walla Valley. Each of these areas are unique and awesome for Syrah and the Field Blends produced. In April '02 two seperate blocks of vineyards were planted to Syrah adjacent to the winery in the rocky dry creek beds that run through K Vintners property.
A seven-mile long anticline ridge with a peak at nearly 1,300 feet, the Snipes Mountain AVA has rocky soils and is home to about 30 different grape varieties. It was also one of the first regions in Washington State to plant Semillon and Pinot Noir.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”