Barnard Griffin Winery, Columbia Valley (Washington) Syrah 2020

 Combining fruit from the Arete Vineyard with the Desert Aire Vineyard (which provides the backbone and is located along the Wahluke Slope), Rob Griffen aged this Syrah for 18 months in small oak and uprights.  Wonderfully dark in color, it shows dark cherry and plum fruit, ripe and dried herb aromas with a light floral element.  Medium-bodied and firm on the palate, it offers dark fruit, baking spice, a hint of chocolate and light oak in its flavors.  There’s nothing overblown about this wine as the tannins are well-integrated and the acidity provides backbone and structure.  My take is that this emphasizes Syrah fruit without being over-ripe.  It should develop well and show beautifully with another year or two in the bottle.