High Canyon Syrah

The 2022 Liminal Syrah is a striking masterpiece from Red Mountain’s esteemed WeatherEye Vineyard, exemplifying the artistry of blending precision and boldness. Crafted with 4% Viognier and incorporating 20% whole-cluster fermentation, the wine immediately commands attention with its inky purple core and luminous rim. The nose unfurls layers of ripe boysenberries, black cherries, and wild blueberries interwoven with savory undertones of smoked brisket, fresh thyme, cracked pepper, and hints of crushed violets. On the palate, the complexity deepens, offering an interplay of dark fruit compote, blackberry preserves, and black olive tapenade alongside earthy notes of charred rosemary, beef jus, and a whisper of oyster sauce. The 18 months in 25% new French oak impart an elegant smokiness and fine-grained tannins that frame the wine beautifully, while the vibrant acidity provides exceptional lift and length. 92 cases produced. Highly recommended and editor’s choice.

- Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

A classic, pure varietal replete with classic Syrah flavors. It’s compact and loaded with cassis, blueberry and cherry fruit framed with subtle baking spices. The flavors broaden out across the palate, adding details of incense and peppermint. Complex and seamless, this comes to a fine focus through the finish, with highlights of chocolate, candied orange peel and that lingering hint of mint.

- Paul Gregutt

The 2022 Liminal Syrah is a head-turning wine coming from the WeatherEye Vineyard. Once on the nose this takes on shades of boysenberry fruits drenched in oyster sauce with pulled pork shoulder alongside fresh thyme and beef drippings. The palate is beautifully balanced, in terms of depth, flavor range and texture, showing marvelous salty and savory character. A stunning wine to consume now, enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2036.

- Owen Bargreen

The 2022 Syrah High Canyon Series WeatherEye Vineyard is a wild child, highly expressive and perfumed with a cascade of dried flowers, dusty earth, mint leaf, lavender and crushed blackberries. It's silken and sleek with ripe red and black fruits accelerated by juicy acidity. Hints of candied violet and chalk add a tactile sensation. The 2022 finishes pleasantly chewy and long with a saturation of fine tannins and a suggestion of currant.

- Eric Guido, Vinous

Mineral notes of struck metal, crushed stone and hot coal leap to the fore, and the violet component follows on, adding a sense of finesse to this wine of pure power. This Syrah is from the original plantings in the WeatherEye Vineyard by Washington, visionary viticulturist Ryan Johnson; the fruit is fully allocated to the Liminal brand. This Syrah is on a steep slope in a high-density, pole-trained planting. The palate shows gobs of red and black fruits as notes of garrigue and dried lavender peek through at glimpses. A dark chocolate and mint leaf lift finishes this rich, ripe wine. Using 20% whole cluster and 4% Viognier co-ferment brightens the density of Red Mountain's opaque dark fruit core.

- Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

The 2022 Syrah High Canyon is a classic Red Mountain effort that's loaded with mineral-laced blue fruits, violets, orange zest, and bloody, iron-like nuances. This exotic, medium to full-bodied, concentrated effort will need just 3-5 years of bottle age.

- Jeb Dunnuck

Fruit for this wine was co-fermented with 4% Viognier in concrete, 20% whole cluster. Aged 18 months in French oak (25% new), it’s aromatically vibrant, with penetrating notes of huckleberry, crushed blackberry, flower, chopped herb, orange peel, and plum. Full-bodied, rich, palate-shaking blue fruit and orange rind flavors follow. An exceedingly long, warm finish caps it off. It’s shockingly good. Critic's Choice.

- Sean P. Sullivan, Northwest Wine Report