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2016 B. Leighton Olsen Brothers Vineyard Syrah

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

August 6, 2023 - $41

Estimate

RATINGS

96Jeb Dunnuck

...Notes of dark berry fruits, smoke tobacco, olive tapenade, and ground pepper. Medium to full-bodied, with both freshness and richness, it’s impeccably balanced, with beautiful fruit and a great finish...

93Stephen Tanzer

...Sexy scents of raspberry, brown spices, black pepper and flowers are Côte-Rôtie-like in their soil-driven wildness. Tight and savory on the palate, with juicy dark berry and spice flavors showing terrific inner-mouth definition and energy. The firmly tannic finish features a note of roasted nuts and excellent rising length...

91The Wine Advocate

...an expressive nose of black pepper and roasted herbs with dark, dusty black fruit. Full-bodied, the wine tastes of black peppercorn and blackberry with hints of bacon fat that frame the subtle yet elegant notes of French oak and baking spices.

REGION

United States, Washington, Yakima Valley

Yakima Valley AVA was the first AVA created in Washington State. The valley, a 600,000-acre area in south central Washington, was granted AVA status in 1983. In 1984 Columbia Valley was given AVA status, and Yakima Valley was enclosed within the Columbia Valley AVA. Nevertheless, Yakima Valley remains home to the largest concentration of vineyards and wineries in the state. There are more than 60 wineries and some 16,000 vineyard acres, and nearly 40% of Washington wines are made with Yakima Valley grapes. The most frequently planted grape is Chardonnay, followed by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaking here dates to 1869, when a winemaker from Alsace planted grape vines. Vineyard planting and wine production plodded along slowly until the early 1980s when numerous modern pioneers started making well-reviewed Yakima Valley wines. Some of the state’s newest, most closely watched appellations, including Red Mountain AVA and Horse Heaven Hills AVA, are contained within Yakima Valley.

TYPE

Red Wine, Syrah (Shiraz)

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.