Gramercy Cellars, Columbia Valley (Washington) Syrah 2016

 Lagniappe, as it was described to me, is a term for “a little extra” and is colloquially used in New Orleans when the waitstaff likes a particular customer.  At Gramercy, winemakers Greg Harrington and Brandon Moss choose their best barrels to label under the term.  This wine is a monster — a good monster.  The wine shows a lot of rich, ripe, dark fruit but has a hint of eucalyptus and espresso on the nose.  The body shows more chocolate and blueberry compote.  It is no surprise that Greg Harrington fell in love with Washington wines and uprooted himself from Manhattan to make powerful wines like this.  When you need a little extra goodness in your glass, pour yourself some Lagniappe.