What follows is an excerpt for the 2008 Walla Walla Holiday Barrel Tasting Report. Read the full report here.

This visit to Sapolil Cellars, my first, gave us the opportunity to try several single vineyard Syrah. The Dwelley and Patina Vineyards, both located in the Walla Walla AVA, have considerably different elevations and aspects. These differences show through beautifully across the wines and across years providing additional evidence, if any were needed, that not only does terroir exist, it exists in Washington state. All wines sampled at 65 degrees.

Wines:

Score

Name

Notes

$

*

Chardonnay Yakima Valley 2007

Beautifully clear in color, the nose is fairly light and marked by lemongrass. A gorgeous, medium bodied taste.


$18

*

Syrah Dwelley Vineyard 2005

A complex wine with cola, dark brown licorice, some gaminess, and dark fruit. 14% alcohol.


NA

*

Syrah Patina Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2005

Lots of anise, cola, and soy. A very good wine that seems like it might have been open for a bit.


$38

*

Syrah Patina Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2006

An interesting nose with lots of dark, brown spices. A very subtle, pretty taste.


$38

.

Papa Louis Mambo Columbia Valley 2007

Black licorice is predominant on the nose. A rich wine with a bit too much sweetness to it. 70% Syrah; 20% Sangiovese; 10% Cabernet.

$32