Time for Red Mountain Syrah!
Many of my recent posts have focused on white and rose' wines. It's been two weeks of triple digit weather in SE Washington, so I have favored chilled wines. I am ready for a break from the heat.
As much as I enjoy chilled white and pink wines in the summer, I still crave red wine, especially once the sun dips near the horizon. One of my favorite varieties is Syrah, Washington Syrah and Red Mountain Syrah. In that order. There's a quality and complexity to Red Mountain wines which titillates and gratifies the senses. This bottle of Kiona Vineyards and Winery 2012 Red Mountain Syrah did not disappoint. A worthwhile Wine of the Week.
Tasting Notes Kiona 2012 Red Mountain Syrah
Color: Bright Garnet.
Nose: Violets, dark notes in background, soft soil, candied.
Palate: Round, blue fruit focused to front, dry on the gums, tingle back of mouth, a little heat on the flavorful light finish.
After 15 minutes: Broad nose, sarsaparilla, dark chocolate, violets, coffee. Medium body, chocolate, blueberries, fine tannin, lavender, tar, focused to mid-palate, pretty finish, lingering dark fruit with twinge of acid. Enjoyable and perfect for burgers.
After 30 minutes: Gorgeous color. Perfumed, violets, lavender, boysenberries , blueberry, dark chocolate, tarred earth. Tastes like a Washington Syrah to me. Big smile.
At an hour: Perfumed and focused, violets and chocolate danced with blueberries, dried sage and tarred coffee across the palate, fine tannin with gentle grip on the tongue and teeth, gingerbread and lavender on the medium-long finish. Yes, not bad. Purple tongue. Recommended.
Day two: Wonderful mouth feel, textured, fine tannin coated the mouth, dark fruit, tar into almost black licorice, fluid dark chocolate quality, lavender and earthy notes with orange into grippy long finish. Big Like. Food not needed. Strongly Recommended.
Thoughts: There's a reason Kiona and Red Mountain are synonymous with premium wine production. This was a lovely wine, especially at the price I paid locally. As tasty as this wine was on day one, it shined on day two. Decant if you drink today or hold for a year or three in your cellar. Kiona again shows their talent for working with Red Mountain fruit. Regular readers know how fond I am of Washington Syrah - this wine put a big smile on my face, purple tongue included. Bravo! You want to drink this wine. Strongly Recommended + Wine of the Week.
State: Washington
AVA: Red Mountain
Vineyards: Emory, Heart of the Hill
Blend: Syrah 95%, Mourvèdre 5%
Closure: Natural Cork
ABV: 14.4%
SRP: $25
Purchased locally
Kiona Vineyards and Winery
44612 N Sunset Rd
Benton City WA 99320
www.kionawine.com
 |
| Scott Williams discussing Kiona vineyards on Red Mountain. |
About Kiona Vineyards and Winery
In 1975, John Williams planted the first vineyard on Red Mountain, now a designated American Viticultural Area known as the Red Mountain AVA. An AVA known for growing wonderful fruit and producing gorgeous, plush wines. Today Kiona Vineyards and Winery farms over 230 estate-planted acres on Red Mountain.
 |
| JJ Williams at Taste Washington 2015. |
You will find three generations of Williams working the Kiona Winery and Vineyards, Founder John, his son Scott and grandson JJ Williams. They have created a true legacy and treasure on Red Mountain. A family owned and operated Vineyard and Winery known as Kiona. Stop by the winery tasting room and taste the reason Kiona and Red Mountain are synonymous for premium wine; tell them Wild 4 Washington Wine sent you. Thank me later.
Cheers!