Wine of the Week: 2009 Concordia Mackey Vineyards @WWValleywine

"Concordia" means "harmony" in Latin.

"Luxurious and a little naughty."

A Syrah dominant wine, Concordia delivered a "harmony" of flavors. I was duly impressed by this second vintage from the Mackey brothers. Philip and Roger Mackey launched their Walla Walla, Washington winery, Mackey Vineyards in 2010. The 2008 vintage was their first. This second exposure to Mackey Vineyards was provocative. Expect more great things from this winery.

Tasting Notes

Color: Dark purple.
Nose: Violets, clove, blackberry reduction, bakers chocolate, mint
Palate: Creamy, clove with blackberry, finish of bakers chocolate with mint, gently dry.

30 minutes: Candied quality to the nose with blackberry, blueberry, the clove/chocolate/mint integrated into a wonderful aroma of chocolate truffle. Palate round and lush, with that berry and chocolate truffle quality too.

2 Hours: Very consistent, bigger with bacon fat and cherry and a longer finish.

2.25 Hours: Bam! That means it became "harmonious." Lush became plush on nose and palate. Hedonistic qualities began to overwhelm the senses. Sumptuous sheets of darkest berry velour edged with espresso-tar, rolled in eastern spices, turned on tongue and savored decadently. Luxurious and a little naughty.

Thoughts: An impressive wine with potential to improve in bottle over the next decade. It was too robust for lamb chops. With Feta cheese it was a good match. You'll want bold flavors in your meals to work with this premium wine. A grilled rib-eye with blue cheese sauce would be a phenomenal pairing.

I shared some of my impressions about the 2009 Concordia via social media while I was tasting it. I was asked if one should open and drink now, or wait? My response, if you open now decant for 2 hours...please. Otherwise, wait at least one more year before opening. If you have several bottles, I would open one a year until gone. Strongly Recommended and deserving of a Wine of the Week.

Vineyards: Les Collines, Bacchus, Minick
Blend: 77.4% Syrah, 12.9% Grenache, 9.7% Mourvedre
Closure: Natural Cork
ABV: 14.9%
Production: 370 Cases
SRP: $38
Sample provided by winery

Mackey Vineyards
4122 Powerline Road
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: 509.526.5160
www.mackeyvineyards.com

Related post: Review: 2009 Mackey Vineyards Syrah

Cheers!

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