Syrah (2013)

About this wine

This Syrah from Red Mountain offers a deep, inky color and a rich bouquet of blackberry, plum, and subtle notes of black pepper. On the palate, it delivers bold flavors of dark berries, complemented by earthy undertones and a touch of spice. The wine's firm tannins and balanced acidity provide a structured mouthfeel, leading to a long, satisfying finish. Red Mountain's unique terroir, characterized by its warm climate and mineral-rich soils, imparts distinctive qualities to this Syrah, making it a noteworthy expression of the varietal. This wine exemplifies the region's reputation for producing powerful, well-structured reds.

About the grape

Syrah, a dark-skinned grape variety, has a rich history in Washington State, particularly in the Red Mountain AVA. The first Syrah vines in Washington were planted in 1986 at Red Willow Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, under the guidance of winemaker David Lake and vineyard owner Mike Sauer. This pioneering effort led to the production of Washington's first Syrah wine in 1988, marking the beginning of the state's successful cultivation of this varietal. Red Mountain's unique terroir, characterized by its warm climate, southwest-facing slopes, and well-drained, nutrient-poor soils, provides ideal conditions for growing Syrah grapes. These factors contribute to the production of bold, full-bodied Syrah wines with concentrated flavors and notable tannic structure. The 2013 Terra Forte Syrah from Red Mountain exemplifies the region's ability to produce high-quality Syrah wines that reflect the distinctive characteristics of this grape variety.

Quick facts

• 🏔️ Red Mountain, where Terra Blanca's 2013 JT Grey Syrah is produced, is renowned for its unique terroir, featuring silty fine sands and fine, sandy silt loams with interbeds of carbonate-coated gravels, cobbles, and boulders.
• 🍇 The 2013 vintage in Red Mountain experienced an early and dry growing season, leading to small berries with a high skin-to-juice ratio, resulting in wines with concentrated flavors and profound structure.
• 🍷 Syrah wines from Red Mountain are known for their balance in flavors, with an intense concentration of berry flavors and a structured profile, distinguishing them from other regions.
• 🌱 Terra Blanca's estate vineyard is planted in small blocks that follow the topography and soil types, allowing for consistent management of the vines and optimal fruit production.
• 🥂 The 2013 JT Grey Syrah from Terra Blanca has an alcohol content of 14.5%, reflecting the ripe and robust nature of Syrah grapes from the Red Mountain region.

Palate profile

Producer

Podere Forte, located in Castiglione d'Orcia within Tuscany's Val d'Orcia—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004—was established in 1997 by entrepreneur Pasquale Forte. The estate spans approximately 500 hectares, with 27 hectares dedicated to vineyards, and operates under biodynamic principles to create a self-sufficient ecosystem. Beyond viticulture, Podere Forte engages in olive oil production, livestock farming, and beekeeping, emphasizing biodiversity and sustainability. The winery's commitment to quality and environmental stewardship has positioned it as a notable producer in the region.