So we had my brother and his husband over for lamb burgers, and it seemed a perfect occasion on which to introduce him to Washington state syrah. I threw in a Californian, which is where he just moved here from, for a starting point.
2014 Wind Gap Wines Syrah Nellessen Vineyard Sonoma Coast
Pretty red fruit and oodles of white pepper, medium bodied. In a great place compared to a year ago.
2015 Two Vintners Syrah Some Days are Stones Walla Walla Valley
In a great, great place right now. Friendly red fruit with plenty of spice, Rocks funk and that french (italics on) animale (italics off) thing. Medium plus body--enough but not too much. Both expressive and impressive. Oh, and supposedly 15.4% alcohol, but where did it go? Honestly didn't show. Chris, not used to syrah let alone Rocks funk syrahs, declared it the best red wine he's had in a long while.
2013 Saviah Cellars The Stones Speak Estate Syrah Walla Walla Valley
Big, dense, muscular, not for the faint at heart. Strong black fruit with notes of espresso, tar and Rocks funk. Alcohol stands out more than the funk at this point. Definitely needs more time, maybe 3-5 years, and will pair best with rare red meat or BBQ. Hard to drink after the giddy Two Vintners above.