Syrah

2021
Syrah

The glass-staining 2021 Tenor Syrah is dark magenta and inky violet in the glass. Intriguing aromas of bramble berries, steak juice, and toasted marshmallow are supported by fragrant Spanish lavender and garrigue notes. The range on the palate impresses with notes of sour cherries, peppercorn, raspberry compote, venison, and scorched earth. The silky, fleshy tannins melt into a velvet-rich body, supported by fresh acidity. The lengthy, sexy finish impresses with dark chocolate, blueberry, blood orange, and black olive notes.

Buy Now $128

Vintages

Labeled Appellation

Columbia Valley

Varietal(s)

100% Syrah

Vinification

Stainless Steel Fermentation, Primary lasting about 10-14 days and spending a total of 35+ days on skins. Aged 21 Months in 100% New French oak, 44% in 225L barrels, 36% in 300L hogs heads, and 20% in 500L puncheon.

Alcohol

15.3%

Cases Produced

260

Vintage Notes

The 2021 vintage experienced below-average precipitation in winter. Hot and windy conditions in late May and early June led to small berries, clusters, and low yields. The heat resulted in sugar advancement but delayed flavor development and phenolic ripeness. Cool fall temperatures allowed flavors to catch up, resulting in expressive white wines and intensely concentrated red wines.

The 2021 Tenor Syrah is comprised mostly of Scarline Vineyard with small amounts of Stoneridge and Thunderstone vineyards.

The fruit arrived at the winery in pristine condition after being hand-harvested and hand-sorted. Each lot was cluster-sorted and 20% whole clusters were first loaded into the fermentation vats. The remaining 80% was destemmed and berry-sorted before being added to the whole cluster fruit. The wine was left on its skins for a full 30-day+ extended maceration. After 21 months in barrel, the blend was combined in tank and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Only 260 cases produced.

Expert Reviews & Scores

Owen Bargreenowenbargreen.com

96 / 100

The 2021 Tenor Syrah was mainly sourced from Scarline Vineyard, with the remainder from the Stoneridge Vineyard. Stored in 100% new French oak, the wine was almost entirely de-stemmed during fermentation (roughly 10% whole cluster fermented). The aromas of green olives, and black currants grip you alongside violet rose petals and dense dark fruits. The palate is extremely concentrated with outstanding flavor density and serious complexity. Bulls blood and black olives combine with dense blackberry and black currant flavors, with salty undertones. Drinking beautifully now, enjoy this beauty over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2035

Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate

93 / 100

The 2021 Syrah, matured for 21 months in 100% new French oak, is bursting with scents of blackberry, blueberry, powdered sugar, violet and mint chocolate. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and ripe without going over the top. It’s structured by ripe, refined tannins and has a long, perfumed finish. 260 cases were made.

Eric Guido, Vinous

91 / 100

“The 2021 Syrah is dark and alluring, with a bouquet of savory herbs giving way to suggestions of lavender and black tea. It sweeps across the palate with textures of pure silk, blending zesty red and black fruits with hints of sour orange and inner rose tones. The 2021 finishes long, with a liquid stone and mineral sensation and a lingering coating of fine tannins. Drink 2024-2031"

Trade Materials