2005 McKinley Springs Syrah Horse Heaven Hills... $19.99
March is Washington Wine Month so it would be appropriate to pick an outstanding example from our very own state. The second largest producer of wine in the United States, Washington is fast becoming the new "Napa" especially in terms of quality. Washington wineries produce some of the finest syrah I have tasted. This effort will help you to see exactly what I am talking about. McKinley Springs is a small family owned winery located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Not only do they produce outstanding wines, they supply fruit for wineries across the state. Andrew Rich, Northstar, Syncline to name a few.
Just getting a whiff of this wine lets you know you are in for a treat. Notes of Boysenberry, mint, anise and plum come through in layers. On the palate there is a nice viscosity with deep intense notes of dark plums, black olive, warm spices and black pepper that fill your palate and send you into a wave of ecstasy hoping that the experience will not end. On the back end there is a nice toasty boysenberry hit on silky smooth tannins and a persistent finish. My friends, this is what Washington syrah is all about. They are offering this juice at the ridunculous price of only fifteen bucks for the month of March. Get it and as much as you can because it has enough life to go another three to six years. 92 points
