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Wine of the week: McKinley Springs 2008 Syrah Horse Heaven Hills

photo
photo: 2008 McKinley Springs Syrah - Horse Heaven Hills.
McKinley Springs is a family owned and operated winery in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA of Washington State. Doug Rowell is the winemaker and Rob Andrews is the grower.

This was a dark wine, deep color almost inky; as expected from a Washington Syrah. On the nose: violets, blueberry, tar, pepper, whiff of earth, medium mouth feel, aromas flowed into the finish.

There's a lot to like about this wine at opening, although, after some air, this wine became more concentrated on nose and palate. Aromas deepened, flavors became richer, root-beer, chocolate and espresso components emerged after 25 minutes, which was lovely on the nose. Balanced acidity and fine tannin kept this wine fresh and interesting. Really a treat to drink after 30 minutes.

This wine is going to stain your tongue and lips purple; I checked in the mirror and it's true. Isn't that great? Man, the nose on this wine was captivating. I derived as much pleasure, maybe more, from smelling this wine as from drinking it. There's a lot of fantastic Syrah goodness packed in this affordable Horse Heaven Hills Washington Syrah. I think McKinley Springs knocked this one out of the park. Recommended.

* I need to add this to my Top 10 for under $20 list.

Blend: 92.5% Syrah, 3.5% Viognier, 4% Mourvedre
AVA: Horse Heaven Hills
Closure: Natural cork
ABV: 14.2%
Purchase price: $14.99

About McKinley Springs
The children and spouses of Louise and Bob Andrews, established McKinley Springs Winery in 2002 with a goal of producing balanced, flavorful wines offering excellent value. Rob Andrews, Grower, tends to the vineyards and Doug Rowell, Winemaker, oversees production at McKinley Springs. Together they make 10 wines, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Chenin Blanc.

McKinley Springs grows over 20 varietals on its 2000 acre estate vineyard in the southern part of Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills. McKinley Springs also supplies 25 noted area wineries with grapes, including Andrew Rich, Northstar, Syncline, Hogue and Columbia Crest. The Horse Heaven Hills AVA is bordered in the north by Yakima Hill, to the south by the Columbia River, and surrounded by the larger Columbia Valley appellation. The winds from the Columbia River protect against vine diseases and provide a cooling effect that concentrates fruit flavors, while the south facing slopes provide optimum growing conditions

www.mckinleysprings.com

McKinley Springs Winery
1201 Alderdale Rd
Prosser, Washington 99350
Phone Number: 509.894.4528

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