2021 Darkness Syrah
94 pts International Wine Report (2020)
93 pts James Suckling (2020)
The 2021 vintage delivers an elegant, refined version of Darkness with a nose of savory umami goodness laced with black fruited mystery. The palate is packed with blackberry, tapenade, coffee, white pepper and shiitake essence. Vibracidity (new word now) balances lush Syrah to deliver a tension and a cornucopia of deliciousness and joy. What else do you need?
Food pairing: Goat cheese polenta with morel sherry vinaigrette or cassoulet with lots of duck and sausage
Movie pairing: The Shining
FOUNDERS’ NOTES:
Darkness is our full throttle, wide-open desert island syrah from the Yakima Valley. Dick Boushey and Leif Olsen are arguably among the finest syrah growers in our universe today. We decided to make this wine in 2005 and have never looked back. It has gobs of high scores from many publications, including a 94 from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate for the 2014. It's called Darkness because.
| Download Wine Notes |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Varietal | Syrah |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Syrah |
| Appellation | Yakima Valley |
| Vineyard | Boushey 48%, Olsen 52% |
| Acid | 0.57 g/100 mL |
| PH | 3.99 |
| Aging | Aged in 39% new French oak. Racked to blend prior to bottling. |
| Fermentation | 40% whole cluster fermentation. Maximum temp. 91°F. |
| Residual Sugar | 0.01 g/100 mL |
| Alcohol | 14.50% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 04/24/2023 |
| Cases Produced | 329 |
| Country of Origin | UNITED STATES |
| State of Origin | Washington |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
"The 2021 ‘Darkness’ comes from the Olsen and Boushey Vineyard and saw extensive whole cluster fermentation. This offers gorgeous aromatics of smoke and brisket tones alongside Kalamata olive and shades of white pepper. The palate is rich and dense with fantastic finesse, showing espresso bean and chocolate notes. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2032"
94 points Owen Bargreen
