By way of background: Barrelstone Syrah is 100% Washington State syrah, finished at 13.5 % alcohol. Barrelstone moved from prior years’ “Columbia Valley” designations to this “Washington State” designation. The implication is that grapes are being acquired from beyond the most-highly-regarded Columbia Valley region. This is another of the introductory Barclay’s Experience wine club selections.
In the glass: Barrelstone Syrah is deep magenta, with purple highlights throughout.
On the nose: A lifted, deep, purple aroma, brought to earth with hints of earth and spice.
On the palate: The first note is a sandy, almost-sandpapery mid-palate deep red berry – let’s call it very ripe currants. Acids lift it higher into your cheeks and to the back of your tongue.
And the finish: Keeps the “purple” going (by “purple”, I mean that plumy element often associated with cru beaujolais). Clean finish.
In summary: Pleasant, but ultimately unremarkable experience. Seems ready now in its youthful exuberance, doesn’t seem to want to age. Two stars with a plus for its solid, serious nature.
Find Barrelstone Syrah at WineZap.
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