Dusted Valley Stained Tooth Syrah, Columbia Valley, USA

塵埃谷褪色之齒西拉干紅葡萄酒

點擊次數：1552

The entry-level 2014 Syrah Stained Tooth exhibits aromas of black fruits and burnt meats, followed by a medium-bodied, somewhat charred palate that's missing some concentration and carrying plenty of chewy tannic structure.

Outstanding, as well as a solid value, the 2013 Syrah Stained Tooth is more focused and lively than the Tall Tales, yet doesn’t quite match the richness or texture of the prior wine. Blackberry, black raspberry, violets and olive all give way to a medium-bodied, pure, nicely balanced Syrah that will have a decade of longevity. This is 100% Syrah that saw 22% whole clusters and 18% new oak.

Too bad there were only 75 cases. Dense but a bit dull and opaque in its stewed black fruit character as well as decidedly toasty from oak (even though only 20% was new) a Dusted Valley 2010 Syrah Stained Tooth might live up to its name, but contrary to the winery blurb that accompanies it, this isn't enough for -you (to) know you're drinking the good stuff when your teeth develop that unmistakable hue.- What's more, I don't have the impression that time in bottle is going to clarify matters. Dusted Valley was started in 2003 by two couples from Wisconsin - the Johnsons and the Braunels, with backgrounds in sales and food service - who learned winemaking as they went along, and have clearly been quite successful. They have purchased (and farm) or taken out long-term leases on four estate vineyards in Walla Walla and have plans for a dedicated production facility to handle Dusted Valley's roughly 4,000 cases, which are supplemented a high-volume second label called Boomtown that I did not have opportunity to experience. While nothing about their vinificatory methods stood out as striking, it's clear that these folks have adventurous spirits, considering their rather off-beat marketing as well as the fact that the length of elevage for reds varies from as few as 10 to as many as 24 months and often includes a share of Wisconsin oak. Tel. (509) 525-1337

The 2008 Stained Tooth Syrah was made with 22% whole clusters. It is composed of 82% Syrah, 8% co-fermented Viognier, and the balance Grenache and Petite Sirah aged for 16 months in 30% new French and American oak. Fragrant notions of smoked meat, game, lavender, blueberry, and black cherry inform the nose of a sweetly-fruited, layered, succulent wine with enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. It will provide optimum drinking from 2013 to 2023. These three Syrahs offer similar personalities so one could question the decision to have separate bottlings. Regardless, they all deliver outstanding quality. Tel. (509) 525-1337; www.dustedvalley.com

The 2007 Stained Tooth Syrah contains 5% Viognier, 5% Grenache, and 1% Counoise aged for 9 months in 33% new French oak. It offers up an expressive bouquet of wood smoke, floral notes, meat, bacon, and blueberry. Supple, ripe, and easy-going on the palate, this flavorful, lengthy effort will drink well over the next 6 years. Dusted Valley Vintners began operations in 2003 and is based in Walla Walla. Tel. (509) 525-1337; www.dustedvalley.com