2019 Hors Categorie Syrah
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Tasting notes
Mesmerizing is the word, as mentholated freshness introduces the 2019 Syrah Hors Catégorie Vineyard, complementing citrus-tinged blackberries, rhubarb and white pepper. This is like liquid velvet, dense and textural, yet with stimulating acidity to balance, as savory herbs and mineral-tinged black fruits drench the palate in youthful concentration balanced by a contrasting twang of spiced lemon peels. The 2019 finishes incredibly long and potent with silky tannins that saturate, as hints of salted licorice slowly taper off. There’s simply so much going on here, yet also so much more below the surface, which makes the Syrah Hors Catégorie one of the most deeply characterful domestic Syrahs I’ve ever tasted. In 2019, Elizabeth Bourcier dialed back the whole-cluster fruit to 90% (typically 100%) due to the cooler characteristic of the vintage. Frankly stated, the 2019 Syrah Hors Catégorie Vineyard is flirting with perfection.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Powerful and robust with a complex nose, the 2019 Syrah opens to aromas of spiced blackberry and black raspberry before primary and secondary expressions blossom in the glass with elegance and precision; it then articulates layers of truffle, hints of tar and roses, turned earth and succulent red flowers with dusty, ripe red fruit essences. Medium to full-bodied, this Syrah is a masterclass in capturing a sense of place as it somersaults across the mid-palate with elegance, finesse and power. At the same time, flaunting its well-deserved triple-digit score, this devastatingly gorgeous Syrah glides effortlessly to a complex, ever-evolving and lingering tannic finish. This is world-class juice that shines with stunning purity. Run, don’t walk to grab any of the 1,800 bottles made.
Reminding me of a great Hermitage, the 2019 Syrah comes from two steep hillside vineyards planted on the north fork of the Walla Walla River, in Northeastern Oregon. Its deeper ruby/plum hue is followed by a powerful, meaty, yet incredibly complex nose of ripe, blackcurrants, gunpowder, bloody meat, and peppery herbs. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied Syrah with a beautifully balanced, elegant mouthfeel, plenty of mid-palate depth and sweetness, ripe tannins, and flawless balance. It's beautifully done and a world class Syrah that warrants 4-5 years of bottle age and will keep for 20+ years. Don't be afraid to give this plenty of air if drinking any time soon.
Tons of spices, bacon, herbs and steak tartare, as well as black fruit and berries on the nose, with an underlying floral character. Full-bodied with gentle, silky tannins. Extremely concentrated and layered. The ripe fruit turns to savory notes of tobacco and leather. So sleek and elegant. Burnt rosemary at the finish. Fantastic. This is the real McCoy. It is tasting wonderful now, but will go the distance. Only 1,800 bottles made. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.