2021 Firebird
Summit View Vineyard Syrah ∞ Walla Walla Valley AVA
93 cases produced. $54
Named for Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite,” these grapes are sourced exclusively from Summit View Vineyard. We make this Syrah following the same methodology as our Pinot noirs, yielding a wine that is lighter on the palate with vibrant fruit and soft tannins. Aged 12 months in French oak, this gentle, lower tannin Syrah is for Pinot lovers.
The Vineyard
Because the Willamette Valley’s growing season and weather aren’t always favorable for the production of a consistently high-quality Syrah, we chose to source from the Walla Walla Valley AVA, but on the Oregon side—in keeping with our desire to produce 100% Oregon wines. Planted in 2009 by Tom Waliser, Summit View Vineyard in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, has been our exclusive source for Syrah since our inaugural vintage in 2013. We made it a single-vineyard designate wine with the 2015 vintage. We particularly like this vineyard source because it sits at one of the highest elevations in the area: 1,150 feet. That — in conjunction with its well-drained, glacial, Ellisford Silt Loam soil — produces full-bodied fruit with supple flavors and lively acidity.
The Weather
Both temperatures and rainfall at this site are very consistent, with annual growing degree days for the site averaging between 3,000-3,300, and annual precipitation averaging 6-8 inches.
TECHNICAL NOTESNOSE: Blueberry, coriander, oak moss.
PALATE: Smooth, elegant, well-balanced with crisp acid and fine-grained tannins. Hints of blueberry, coriander, and Stetson.
Cori Solomon, The Written Palette: Like the Cabernet, Dave utilizes a technique that gives the wine a lighter quality with bright blueberry fruit, soft tannins, and a silky texture.
