2019 Firebird
Summit View Vineyard ∞ Walla Walla Valley AVA Syrah
114 cases produced. $52 | MAGNUM AVAILABLE
Named for Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite,” these grapes are sourced exclusively from Summit View Vineyard, one of the highest elevation sites in Milton-Freewater, Oregon – at 1,150 feet. Its deep, well-drained glacial soil produces full-bodied fruit with intense flavors and vibrant acidity. Aged 12 months in French oak, this gentle, lower tannin Syrah is for Pinot lovers.
TECHNICAL NOTESNOSE: Blueberry, blackberry pie, leather, tobacco, pine needle, white pepper, cocoa, nutmeg.
PALATE: Luscious, elegant, well-balanced with crisp acid and fine-grained tannins. Hints of blueberry concentrate, black cherry cola, nutmeg, forest floor.
Winery Reflections’ Review: This bottling… showcases this unquestionably noble grape in its most elegant and expressive form. This effortlessly spills oodles of supple dark and red berry fruits pleasantly complicated by fresh herbs, savory meatiness, pretty florals, and just a touch of oak influence. This is truly a Pinot-lovers Syrah if there ever was one, and should only get more delicious with additional cellaring. Wow.
Ellen Landis’ Review: An enticing black fruit and spice aroma wafts from the glass as this velvety smooth Syrah approaches the nose. Well-structured with deep layers of blackberry, earthiness, cassis, grilled meat, plum, and savory elements entwining. It displays complexity, good balancing acidity, and a backbone of chalky tannins, and melted chocolate notes add dimension to the long-lasting finish, leaving you wanting more.
Frederic Koeppel’s Review: The color — vivid medium ruby-purple with a transparent rim; aromas of raspberries, mulberries and plums, permeated by black licorice and crushed violets, a whiff of freshly ground pepper and Mediterranean garrigue (dried thyme, rosemary and bay leaf, dusty meadows); propelled by lip-smacking acidity and juicy black fruit flavors; plenty of graphite-inflected structure but delectable. Excellent.
Great Northwest Wine’s Review: It’s a cool-climate expression of Syrah that features a wide range of blue fruit tones. The nose opens with a rub of lavender, then black cherry, elderberry and President plum as well as sandy minerality and cedar. Plums lead the other fruit on the entry to the palate, which is juicy and a bit hedonistic before a nibble of blueberry skins in the finish. Excellent.
Margot Sinclair Savell’s (Write for Wine) Review: Dave made a stylistic decision to craft Syrah, which is not abundant in the Willamette Valley. Named for Igor Stravinskey’s “Firebird Suite,” Dave calls it a “Syrah for Pinot drinkers.” For that reason, Firebird is a different Syrah than we normally drink. So this light, young Syrah took some getting used to. But we changed our tune when Sara brought out a very tasty grape crisp to pair with it. This is a perfect demonstration of how food pairings can bring out the best in a wine. And if you’re a Pinot-lover, and are new to Syrah, be sure to try this one.
Jeff Kralik’s (The Drunken Cyclist) Review: Rich and juicy on the nose with just a hint of spice. Rich red berry fruit. The palate is intense. After a wave of fruit, the spicy intensity takes over and gallops on through the finish. Holy cow. Not your typical heavy-ish Syrah. Not a Walla Walla Syrah either. They call it a Pinot lovers Syrah and they’re right. Whoa. Outstanding. 94 Points.
AdVINEture’s Review: The fruit is sourced from Summit View Vineyard in Milton-Freewater, Oregon—part of the Walla Walla Valley AVA that straddles the Washington border and is getting such good press for its Syrah. Plum and blackberry pick up complexity from the pepper notes that gradually morph from black to white as the wine takes in air. There are black cherry notes to be detected after a bit of swirling. Medium body and medium tannin, this wine is very approachable. Very Good+
Michael Apstein’s (Wine Review Online) Review: Since Bells Up is in Newberg in the Willamette, you’d expect Pinot Noir. What was unexpected was the stature and poise of their Syrah, the grapes for which come from the Summit View Vineyard on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley. Another graceful wine, the 2019 Syrah, dubbed “Firebird” as in Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite balances plumy dark red fruit with an invigorating saline-like minerality. Like Titan, the focus here is on elegance, not over-wrought power. Yet, its power is evident in the enjoyment it delivers. – 93
