The story behind the label...
This wine was introduced as a one-time bottling in 2002 after a wild fire struck the vineyard’s surrounding hillsides. The residual ash and smoke resonated in the Syrah grapes, creating a very memorable wine. Year after year, we are asked to develop a Syrah to keep the story of this wine alive! Now, 10 vintages later, we hope you will enjoy this bold Syrah comprised from several exceptional vineyards in the Columbia, Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys.
STAFF NOTES:
The 2018 Ex Umbris opens up on the nose with dried cranberries and a touch of stone and leather. The masculine aromas then give way to fresh cherry and blueberry on the palette. Subtle pepper and light smokiness follows the fruit to the mid-palette. The tannins are mellow already which makes this our everyday Syrah.
- Vineyard Sources: Outlook, Red Willow, Union Gap, Sugarloaf
- Aged: 11 months in neutral French oak barrels.
- Alcohol: 14.1%
- ** Only 1 in Stock **
A red with really attractive dark berries, smoked meat and wet earth. Some sweet tobacco. Complex aromas. Medium to full body, round and polished tannins and an attractive, balanced aftertaste. 100% syrah. Drink now. - James Suckling 92 points
Bright medium ruby. Slightly stunted aromas of blackberry, licorice, black pepper and bitter chocolate; like the Sinister Hand, this wine does not show quite the lift or floral pungency of its 2017 predecessor. Offers good density to its dark berry and dark chocolate flavors but doesn’t quite come alive today. The tannins won’t get in the way of enjoying this wine early (and earlier than the ’17), but I suspect it will be better for a year of patience. As always, this is an excellent value in Washington Syrah. - Vinous Media 90 points