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2015 Sparkman Darkness Syrah

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

October 23, 2022 - $26

Estimate

RATINGS

93James Suckling

The nose offers plenty of dark, rich blackberries and interwoven spiciness, leading to a palate that has a plush and supple feel, as well as a long, smooth and sweet-fruited finish. Impressive depth.

93Jeb Dunnuck

...unquestionably more meaty and exotic, with loads of black fruits, black olive tapenade, salted pork, and ground pepper characteristic. Rounded, supple, and sexy on the palate, with a beautiful texture and moderate tannins, it delivers tons of pleasure.

92The Wine Advocate

...dark-fruited core of generous fruit, floral background notes and expressive freshly ground peppercorn... The palate shows the wine is spicier than the nose leads on, showing more earthy flavors of leather as the fruit steps aside...grippy and spicy on the gumline as it lingers with a long, taut finish...

92Wine Spectator

Combines elegant and subtle power, with expressive blackberry, coffee bean and black olive flavors that persist toward well-buffed tannins.

90Stephen Tanzer

... The nose offers more personality and lift...aromas of black raspberry and blueberry complicated by mocha, bitter chocolate and leather. Delivers more fruit complexity and sweetness in the mouth, with flavors of dark raspberry, cocoa powder and spices complicated by a positive element of gamey funk. The firm tannins are nicely supported by the wine's sweet fruit. More inviting...finishes with greater lift.

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.