2022 Walla Walla Syrah
Tasting notes
Our 2022 Syrah leads with deep, concentrated aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, and ripe plum, layered with delicate red florals. The palate is rich and structured, with dark fruit flavors complemented by notes of Turkish black olives, prune, and a touch of smoked caramel. Subtle savory and earthy undertones add depth, while a hint of toasty wood lingers on the finish, giving the wine a balanced, complex character.
Fruit from Ancient Stones Vineyard (71%) was 20% whole cluster fermented in a 2T French Oak tank and pumped over twice a day for a total of 21 days on the skins. Cougar Hills Vineyard (29%) fruit was destemmed into a 2T stainless steel tank and pumped over 1-2 times a day for a total of 20 days on skins. The blend spent 16 months in 40% new French Oak.
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Varietal | Syrah |
| Varietal Composition | 71% Ancient Stones Vineyard
29% Cougar Hills |
| Appellation | Walla Walla AVA |
| Vineyard | Ancient Stones & Cougar Hils |
| Harvest Date | 10/11/2022 |
| Acid | 5.9 g/L |
| PH | 3.55 |
| Alcohol | 14.00% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 04/09/2023 |
| Cases Produced | 174 |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
The Ancient Stones Vineyard, co-owned by Betz Family Winery and Siren Song Wines (2007), spans over 12 acres, with a focus on Syrah, including two clones—Phelps and Tablas Creek. The vines grow in soils enriched by volcanic stones from an ancient riverbed, which, combined with well-draining sand and silt, help create wines with a distinctive mineral character. These unique soils, along with the heat of the growing season, contribute to the intensity and complexity of the Syrah fruit. Despite hot growing seasons, cold winters require burying the canes in fall to protect the vines from early freezes.
Cougar Hills Vineyard, located in the southwest corner of the Walla Walla AVA (1997), is planted with a variety of grapes including Bordeaux, Rhone, Spanish, and Portuguese varietals, with a focus on Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. The vineyard sits on Ritzville loam, layered with gravel, river rock, and volcanic ash, which provides excellent drainage and nutrients for diverse grape varieties. The vineyard is designed with north-facing slopes, vertical shoot positioning, and sustainable practices like minimal irrigation, ground cover for pest management, and frost control using wind machines and specialized equipment. These efforts, combined with the unique soils and climate, help produce high-quality, balanced wines while maintaining environmental sustainability.
