2020 Les Collines Syrah
Vintage Notes
The 2020 vintage created beautiful wines. They are aromatic and dense but with levity, super dark and outstanding acid! Bud break began in mid-April, well-aligned with long-term averages but later than a number of recent vintages. Bloom began in late May, consistent with recent years. Veraison began in late July and harvest in the third week of August, slightly ahead of where it looked to be at the beginning of the season. September temperatures spiked into the 90s, which accelerated picking. A well-forecasted frost event for October 23rd led us to pick in advance, bringing the growing season to a close. We overall are very happy with the results of this vintage!
Varietals: 100% Syrah
AVA: Walla Walla Valley Vineyards: Les Collines Vineyard
Fruit: black cherry, ripe blueberries
Herbs/Spices/Other: floral, sage, white pepper
Aging: 20% new french oak 18 months, 50% whole cluster
TA/pH: 6.1 / 3.84
Alcohol: 14.3%
For this beautiful Syrah we used 50% whole cluster and aged it 18 months. Notes of black cherry, dried fig, sage, and white pepper dance on the palette. “Les Collines” is French for “the hills.”
| Download Wine Notes |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Varietal | Syrah |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Syrah |
| Appellation | Walla Walla Valley |
| Vineyard | Les Collines Vineyard |
| PH | 3.84 |
| Aging | 20% new french oak 18 months, 50% whole cluster |
| Alcohol | 14.30% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
Les Collines (The Foothills) is one of the higher vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley: it’s located on the east side of the Valley at the base of the Blue Mountains,with an upper elevation of 1,380 feet. Soil Moisture and weather data is recorded around the clock. This 240 acre vineyard is one of the valley leaders in minimal input farming with its own composting operation and extensive use of compost tea. It is internationally certified for Sustainable Farming by the IOBC and is certified as a Salmon Safe Vineyard. It has its own state certified nursery for experiments with and propagation of clones.
