Walters Winery, Walla Walla Valley (Columbia Valley, Washington) Syrah 2009

If you like the style of cooler climate Syrahs, or dare I say it, those of the Northern Rhône, you will love Jamie Brown’s Syrahs. First of all they’re from Eastern Washington, just about as far across the state as you can be from Seattle’s rain. It’s really high dessert, with sandy soils and very low rainfall. Grapes get ripe, but because of cool nights, they still retain their acidity, so the wines are vivid and lively. The Forgotten Hills Vineyard is in the foothills of the Blue Mountains at 1,000 feet elevation, making this Syrah particularly distinctive. Aromas of black fruit are intertwined with the woody spice of sandalwood, black pepper and hints of smoked bacon. The ripe, soft black fruit has savory, meaty notes pulled together by piquant acidity and burnished tannins.