K Vintners Motor City Kitty Syrah 2020
This is made by Charles Smith, who, over the past 20-plus years has built a reputation of making allocated, single vineyard wines of quality and appeal from some of the best vineyards in Washington. With his long flowing hair, he looks like he is more comfortable walking onto a stage with 10,000 screaming fans rather than making wine.
Let’s talk about the wine. This is 100% Syrah sourced from Oldfield-Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley in Washington State.
The enticing nose is dominated by blackberries, smoked grilled meats, chocolate, cooking herbs, and spices.
The palate is rich with an inviting mouthfeel whilst showcasing restraint and finesse. A bold first impression. More old-world in style so do not expect an Australian Shiraz. Fine dusty tannins are evident, with impressive structure and balance. Assertive layers of blackberries, dark cherries, smoky, earthy notes with a chef’s kitchen full of cooking spices, and cedar, with just a hint of chocolate, dark plum, and pepper on the finish.
There is a lot going on with this wine. Needs a few hours of decanting now but anticipate improvements over the next 10-plus years of cellaring- 2033 and beyond.
Vine to Table 