(97+ points) Based on 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier from the Rocks region of the Walla Walla Valley, the 2019 Syrah In The Rocks is another reductive, tight wine that will benefit from bottle age. Ripe blackberries, black raspberries, chalky minerality, violets, spring flowers, and ample spice notes define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, has gorgeous purity, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. As with the Contender Syrah, it needs 3-5 years of bottle age.

Showy, flamboyant and beautifully stony, the 2019 Syrah In The Rocks was co-fermented with a small portion of Viognier, but you might not notice the delicate star jasmine tones, because this stony wine is showing pure terroir at the moment. Salty and savory with its pure gallet tones alongside wild blackberry, orange zest, bull’s blood and garrigue notes, this outstanding Syrah bottling is really coming into its own at the two-year mark and will provide drinking enjoyment over the next 8-10 years.

Oolong, jasmine, black cherry, redcurrant and stone on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine, silky tannins. The mouth is coated in ripe cherries and currants with a very pure note of cracked black pepper. So much clarity and style here. A real charmer. Drink or hold.

With a touch of Viognier, the 2019 Syrah In The Rocks presents an open-knit, red-fruited nose characterized by bright cherry notes alongside hints of black raspberry and turned earth, followed by a delicate floral aroma of wilted lavender. Medium-bodied, the palate initially appears somewhat reserved and soft, showcasing dusty red fruit essences of cherry and pomegranate. At the same time, subtle hints of potpourri and spiced plum emerge with a gentle phenolic grip before concluding with a straightforward finish. - Anthony Mueller