100% syrah from Red Mountain, Washington State. Deep purple color. Aroma of black fruit and ink. Very full body and slightly viscous, 15.2% abv. This is an over the top syrah that could well pass for a high-octane Barossa Valley shiraz. Interestingly, it is very sweet and powerful but short of cloying, helped by a good dose of acidity. Blueberries, compoted fruit, cedar, cocoa, orange rind, and a touch of Magic Marker (!?). Super-rich. Aged for 19 months in French oak, but only 27% of which is new. The wood needs further integration. Still a bit tannic, it will reward short term cellaring. Medium finish.

I've been to the Efeste tasting room in Woodinville a couple of times as it is in close proximity to several others, and also tried their lineup in a Seattle wineshop. As much as I love being a booster for Washington wines, I have to say I've not been impressed enough to buy any of theirs. I was very surprised when WS scored this so highly.

Had this at an offline this past spring. It was a crowd favorite that night, Nice big fruit profile, but it did seem young and would like to revisit it in a few years as well after the tannins have softened a bit.

The nose is a little floral with black cherry. The palate was very big, black and oaky. You get the WA freshness with cedar and what reminds me of napa oak. Almost zin like with out the fruity jammyness. Has a future. A little akward on the finish but it shows signs of a wonderful lingering feeling. Fun bottle. Highly reconmended but not for everyone.