Aged for 18 months in 100% neutral French oak, this Syrah is a masterclass of making Syrah in Washington state. The 2020 Hors Catégorie Syrah is otherworldly and is one of the few 100-point wines that I have scored. Layered complexity gives you hit after hit on the nose - starting with floral notes of lilac and orange blossom, then it gifts meaty notes of smoked brisket and bacon fat, then it presents blackberry and blue plum skin flavors, and finally, it finishes with deep umami, mushroom, iodine, and dusty earth aspects. It’s perfectly balanced on the tongue with absolutely no rough edges to speak of. I don’t think I’ve had a wine quite like it before, and it’s stunning in every way. Just 291 cases were crafted of this impeccable wine. Highly recommended and Editor’s Choice.
| Rating | Value | Drink |
|---|
| 100 |
$280 |
2023-2033 |
| Country | Region | Appellation |
|---|
| United States |
Washington |
Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley |
| Editor | Issue | Importer |
|---|
| J. Young |
March, 2023 |
|
