W.T. Vintners - Tasting Apr 2023
April 26, 2023
I returned to W.T. Vintners on a slow day, and was pleased to find winemaker Jeff Lindsay-Thorsen pouring an awesome lineup from the 2017 vintage.
2017 Syrah, Destiny Ridge Destiny Ridge Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Joseph Phelps Clone. 70% whole cluster. A refreshing, lighter styled Syrah, lively, and at an excellent price point. $39. Score 91. 2017 Syrah, Stoney Vine Stoney Vine Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley AVA, OR. Joseph Phelps clone. 75% whole cluster. A woodsy, and green Syrah, with tart and sharp fruitiness. $54. Score 90. 2017 Syrah, Grande Cote Grande Cote Vineyard, Yakima Valley AVA. Joseph Phelps clone. 100% whole cluster. Absolutely delicious, well balanced, sturdy Syrah with a backbone. Harmony of fruit, acid, and tannins with good cellar potential. Showing well, but will improve with time. Well executed, excellent! $54. Score 95. 2017 Rhone Blend, Boushey Vineyard Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley AVA. Phlebs & Tablas Creek clones. 49% Mourvedre, 36% Grenache, 15% Syrah. A muscular GSM provided by the pronounced Mourvedre, but still maintaining excellent balance with the remaining fruit. Well rounded, harmonious, and while ready, will improve with time. Awesome! $49. Score 94.
It was a fantastic experience and privilege to have Jeff pouring, and giving insight into his wines. The Syrah lineup was a great showcase of the stark differences in flavor profile from the same varietal, as a result of the different regions growing conditions. I fell in love with the 2017 Grande Cote Syrah, and picked up two bottles - I recommend you do the same. I already own a 2017 Rhone Blend, and recently opened the phenomenal 2015 vintage.
