Hundred Suns, The Rocks District (Oregon) River Rock Vineyard Syrah 2021 ($62)

The Rocks District sits just across the Oregon-Washington border from Washington’s Walla Walla, and is known for its rocky soils brought from the Missoula Floods over 13,000 years ago. Rocks District Syrahs are typically red fruit-driven with a river rock moss note that adds a really nice touch of complexity. In the hands of Beaux Freres-trained winemaker Grant Coulter, Hundred Suns River Rock Vineyard Syrah is big red wine with red plums, black cherry, vanilla, cocoa, underbrush, and classic river rock moss notes. I’d like this wine with something a little gamey, venison or wild boar, to play upon the wine’s already complex flavors. Just be sure to enjoy a glass on its own – it is that good.
95 Vince Simmon