This is part of a report on 2009 Walla Walla Fall Release Weekend. Download a complete .pdf copy of the report here.

Writing about Gramercy Cellars recently I said “If you are looking for a bandwagon on which to jump, now would be the time.” Less than a year later, I must amend that statement. The concept was right but the metaphor all wrong. This was not a passing bandwagon but rather a rocket ship on the launch pad. After a string of exceptional reviews from Wine Advocate, I can report that Gramercy Cellars has now achieved lift off.

In five short years, Gramercy Cellars has established itself as one of the top wineries in Washington State. What distinguishes this winery from others? Like many, they are making exceptional wines. However, these wines are unique from their peers stylistically and structurally with higher acid, lower alcohol, and less oak influence. The wines are both varietally correct and explore new facets of the varieties in Washington. Sum all of this together and you have a winery well separated from its peers. However, when you add the compelling expression of the ever elusive, much discussed and debated terroir, Gramercy has left the earth’s gravitational pull and is on its own unique trajectory to success. Where they will go, nobody knows.

Gramercy Cellars produces approximately 3,500 cases annually. For Fall Release, Gramercy was pouring out of a tent set up next to their estate vineyard adjacent to Waters Winery.

All wines sampled at 58 degrees.

NB: See a hilarious video made by Gramercy on starting the winery here.

Gramercy Cellars Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2007 $42
Rating:
** (Exceptional)Violets, game, and earth mark the nose on this wine. Beautifully textured across the palate with exceptionally pure fruit along with earth flavors. 100% Syrah. Les Collines and Forgotten Hills vineyards. Aged in French oak (10% new) for fifteen months. 13.9% alcohol. 389 cases produced.

Gramercy Cellars Lagniappe Syrah Columbia Valley 2006 $38
Rating:
* (Excellent) Dark in color. Nose marked by abundant game notes along with violets. A velvety texture with an extended finish. 97% Syrah, 3% Viognier. Forgotten Hills and Minnick vineyards. 13.9% alcohol. 556 cases produced.

Gramercy Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2006 $42
Rating:
* (Excellent) Redolent with black licorice, ground spices, tobacco, and pepper. Surprisingly lithe on the palate. Exceptionally well balanced with focused fruit, spices, and light oak influences along with a touch of chocolate and herbal flavors. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pepper Bridge and Phinny Hill vineyards. 13.9% alcohol. 375 cases produced.

Gramercy Cellars Grenache Columbia Valley 2007 $40
Rating:
** (Exceptional) An intensely aromatic wine with pepper and strong black licorice aromas. Wow! A powerhouse on the taste with richly textured fruit and light herbal streaks. A healthy dose of acidity tops it off. 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. 13.9% alcohol. 189 cases produced.

Gramercy Cellars John Lewis Reserve Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2007 $65
Rating:
** (Exceptional) An aromatic powerhouse with violets, game, and chocolate aromas. Boasts a fullness on the palate, especially the mid-palate, that is simply breathtaking. The purity of the fruit and the balance of this wine are beyond exceptional. 100% Syrah. Les Collines and Forgotten Hills vineyards. Aged in French oak (approximately 15% new). 13.7% alcohol. 146 cases produced. To be released Spring 2010 (NB: This wine was released last month subsequent to the publication of this report).

Gramercy Cellars Inigo Montoya Tempranillo Walla Walla Valley 2007 $40
Rating:
** (Exceptional) A downright stinky, intense nose with lots of earth aromas. Richly textured with fruit on the palate. 75% Tempranillo, 15% Grenache, and 10% Syrah. 13.9% alcohol. 330 cases produced.

21 Grams Columbia Valley 2006 $125
Rating:
** (Exceptional) An alluring nose with pencil lead, Red Vines, licorice, baking chocolate, and spice. Beautifully integrated and balanced with a fair amount of pencil lead flavors. A long, effortless finish. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% Malbec. 100 cases produced.