2015 Syrah Powerline Estate

(from vines in a rocky ancient river bed): Saturated ruby-red. Complex musky nose melds blackberry, boysenberry, mocha, crushed rock, licorice and herbs. Classically dry but smooth and suave, with purple fruit and graphite flavors lifted by black pepper and complicated by a saline quality. Hints of nuts and game contribute an element of wildness. A real essence of Syrah--a bit uncompromising today but with essentially easygoing tannins.

Made from 100% Syrah, the 2015 Syrah Powerline Vineyard is much more backward, brooding, and mineral-laced, with sensational notes of blackcurrants, cassis, crushed rock, and tapenade. A true powerhouse on the palate, with terrific concentration, building tannin, and a great, great finish, it's a singular, incredible wine that does everything right. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade. One of the highlight tastings I do in Washington State is unquestionably with Charles Smith and Brennon Leighton, who together produce a sensational lineup of Rhône and Bordeaux blends, as well as a seriously good Tempranillo and Sangiovese. The majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon dominated cuvees have been moved from the K Vintners label to the Wine of Substance label, which are also reviewed in this report. All the Rhône blends are not destemmed, see native ferments, and are aged mostly in used French oak. These are the real deal and are brilliant wines.