Block 16 Syrah

Put this vineyard on your list of the most exceptional sites for growing Syrah in Washington. This is tight, spicy, focused and beautifully defined. Due for release this month, it’s been given 18 months in 20% new French oak, which seems pitch perfect. The Block Highlight Series is focused on particular blocks deemed the most compelling in the vintage. Tightly wound with a mix of blackberry, black cherry, figs, tobacco, earth, espresso and more, this captivating wine should be mandatory for anyone who loves Syrah. It’s a definitive take on how Washington can make a unique and distinctive and truly important style with this global grape.

- Paul Gregutt, Paul Gregutt's NW Wine Guide

The scintillating 2021 Weathereye Vineyard Block 16 Syrah from Liminal rested in 20% new French oak for 18 months and sports a brooding, deep purple core with a lighter purple rim. A Red Mountain nose of dried mountain sagebrush, grilled meats, fresh blue plum skin, wild blackberries, purple potpourri, dried white grapefruit peel, and hints of wet earth. It’s silky smooth with round and succulent tannins and elevated acidity, leading to a herbaceous and peppery finish that goes on for minutes. Highly recommended and editor’s choice.

- Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

The first thought is "wow" while taking in the bouquet of the 2021 Syrah Block 16 WeatherEye Vineyard Block Highlight Series. This is hauntingly dark yet amazingly lifted and fresh with crushed violet and dried-citrus tones, a dusting of confectioners spice and woodland berries above nuances of scorched earth. Creamy and lifted, it possesses cooling acidity and mineral tones that further enhance its crisp blackberry fruit. Sour citrus adds contrast. While only lightly structured with fine-grained tannins, the 2021 leaves a sensation of youthful poise with mentholated herb and cacao notes. This will be an exciting wine to follow over the next ten to fifteen years. The Block 16 was refined for eighteen months in 20% new French oak, 50% puncheon.

- Eric Guido, Vinous

Coming from the WeatherEye Vineyard, this 2021 Syrah stands very inky once in the glass. The aromatic density is flat out fabulous with yarrow, black rose petals, smoked brisket and shades of creme de violette. The palate is deep and concentrated with serious verve and viscosity. A total joy to consume now, this should live on for another fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2039.

- Owen Bargreen

Coming from a block just beside the High Canyon block, the 2021 Syrah Block 16 offers a bigger, more burly profile as well as ripe blue fruits, tons of chalky mineral nuances, some violet hints, firm tannins, and a great finish. It’s mostly potential at this stage, and the cellar will be your friend.

- Jeb Dunnuck

Weathereye at its best, and its most stubborn. This was closed for a day, giving up little more than attractive oak notes of carob and cocoa nibs. When the fruit arrives, it’s a knockout. Black and blue, silky and finessed, tethered to a minerality that brings it clarity and depth. The wine’s tannins are fine even as they are massive; overall, the structure is a marvel. It will reward the patient, or decant three hours before serving it with a tomahawk steak.

- Patrick J. Comiskey, Wine & Spirits

The aromas are effusive, with notes of blueberry, boysenberry, cream, tangerine rind, plum, fresh herb, dried orange peel, and flower, showing delineation and detail. Silky soft blue fruit flavors follow, revealing purity and definition. It sticks around for a long time on the finish. Give it time to stretch its legs. Enjoy after 2027.

- Sean Sullivan, Northwest Wine Report