Gramercy Cellars’ flagship 2013 John Lewis Syrah exemplifies master sommelier Greg Harrington’s Northern Rhône-inspired philosophy within the Walla Walla Valley. Sourced predominantly from the cooler, high-elevation slopes of Les Collines Vineyard, this cuvée reflects a warm Washington vintage tempered by dramatic diurnal shifts that preserve essential natural acidity.
Winemaking choices prioritize restraint and structural focus: significant whole-cluster inclusion imparts complex herbal and spicy aromatics, while fermentation relies on native yeasts. Ageing in neutral French oak puncheons ensures the fruit and savory terroir signatures remain unmasked by heavy wood, yielding a highly typic Syrah built for long-term cellaring.
Tasting notes
Deep ruby-purple with a crimson rim. Aromatics present a starkly savory profile featuring tapenade, cured meats, cracked white pepper, and dried thyme supported by a core of fresh blackberry and cassis. The palate is medium-to-full-bodied, framed by tightly woven, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Earthy layers of dark plum, crushed stone, and iron persist through a long, savory finish.