Mt. Hood 2017 Syrah, Columbia Valley

A fantastic find! The Columbia Valley has long been one of the great wine growing regions in the U.S. with everything from Merlot to Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay of the finest quality being produced. It's only in the last several years that the reality has taken hold that the best grape being grown here may very well be Syrah! The microclimate is ideal and very similar to the Northern Rhone Valley where the great Hermitage and Cote Rotie wines are made. But with the unique soils and the and the expanse of vineyard space Syrah absolutely thrives in the Columbia Valley.

Mt. Hood Winery is owned by the Bickford family, who have been farming in the Hood River Valley since 1909. Named "Winery of the Year" in 2016 by Wine Press Northwest, they have deep and longstanding relationships with some of the Columbia Valley’s finest and most sought after vineyards, like the one where the grapes are sourced for this wine. 

The Dry Hollow Vineyard is planted on a south-facing slope in rocky stone laden soil. These soils and the hot, dry climate in this part of the Columbia River Gorge combine to create optimum growing conditions for Syrah. The grapes ripen slowly and retain good balance and exception nuance and complexity. These richly flavored grapes were fermented in temperature controlled tanks and the wine was aged in 30% new American oak barrels for months. 

This was a very tiny production of less than 100 cases. We were very lucky to get our hands on small allotment of this bold but beautifully balanced red (only 13.6% alcohol), with deep huckleberry, blueberry, cedar, woodsmoke and black pepper notes. The palate is mouthfilling and generous with remarkably supple tannins. The finish is lingering with berries and spice. Drinks beautifully right now and will continue to show rewarding development over the next 4-6 years. 

Is Syrah is the king of Columbia Valley Reds? A wine like this ends the discussion! Don't miss it!