Literally.
These syrahs were served with ribs on Sunday afternoon after a round of Sauvignon Blancs.
2013 The Funk (by Saviah Cellars) Walla Walla Valley
Huge, flashy wine. Full of that Rocks funk as promised by the name but also quite overpowering at this moment in its life with boatloads of ripe, sweet fruit. Modern. Great potential for fans of bigness, but needs time to settle down and integrate. Retails around $55 and designed to compete with Reynvaan and Cayuse, albeit in a more full frontal kind of way.
2009 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Syrah In the Rocks Walla Walla Valley
Roasted meats, lava rock, smokehouse and iron dominate black fruits. Big, complex finish.
2011 Covington Cellars Syrah Columbia Valley
Even better than a bottle five months ago. The Rocks funkiness is even more evident this round, splendid fruit and balance. My favorite of the trio.
Then I threw out this bonus wine:
2014 La Chanterelle Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley
Interesting cabernet made right here in Bellingham. Lacks cabernet typicity, but it most pleasantly lives up to the name with mushroom-y flavors and jammy red fruits (alcohol's over 15%, but it doesn't show the heat). We discussed whether it's worth buying again at the $35 price tag. All of us liked it but that was a no.