2020 2020 Sequel

As to the 2020 Syrah Sequel, this inky hued effort comes from a mix of sites on Red Mountain as well as the Boushey and Bacchus vineyards. Fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged in 65% new French oak, it offers up a powerful bouquet of ripe black fruits, ground pepper, chocolate, and graphite. With full-bodied power and richness, as well as building tannins, it stays light on its feet, has remarkable purity, and a great finish.

The gorgeous 2020 ‘Sequel’ was stored in mainly new French oak barrels (65% new) for 18 months before bottling. Sourced from three separate vineyards in the Columba Valley this is a really nice edition of this wine despite the obvious challenges at harvest. Asphalt and bacon fat mark the nose alongside shades of black olive tapenade and rich figs, as this offers really good aromatic complexity. The palate is plush and dense as silky tannins frame a brilliant core of dark fruits, alongside cocoa nib and espresso ground accents. Complex and delicious, this is a resounding success in 2020. No reason to cellar this beauty.

Inviting aromas of black and blue berries with violets, dark chocolate and spices. Medium to full-bodied. Toned and focused with pure fruit and fine-grained, silky tannins.

This wine is a blend of fruit from Boushey, Red Mountain, and Bacchus vineyards. Aged 18 months in French oak (65% new), the aromas are ripe, with notes of blackberry, bramble, and generous amounts of espresso. Rich, luscious black fruit and coffee flavors follow, mixing fruit and barrel in equal parts. There’s plenty of structure to hang all of the fruit on. An extended finish caps it off. It’s all about hedonism and unabashed richness.