2019 THE FUNK Estate Syrah
Appellation
Walla Walla Valley, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
Vineyard
Funk Estate Vineyard located in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. Distinguished by alluvial soils, consisting of basalt pebbles, cobbles and boulders washed from the Blue Mountains.
Harvest Notes
Harvested September 9, 21 and 25, 2019.
3.2 tons/acre.
The 2019 vintage was remarkable on many accounts. March presented cooler temperatures, with substantial snow in the vineyards. This delayed the rise of soil temperatures resulting in later than normal bud break. Summer was ideal, with no extreme heat, and the vines did their job very efficiently developing many perfect clusters allowing our crews to select only the best when we thinned the crop. Due to later bud break, flowering, and a perfect summer, the crop was able to hang well into September, allowing us to pick on three different dates. This gave us a trifecta of aromatic and textural expressions to assemble this exceptional vineyard-designate wine.
Fermentation
Partial whole cluster and partially destemmed Syrah, co-fermented with 4% whole cluster Viognier.
Aging
18 months in French oak puncheons. 40% New.
Tasting Notes
The Funk is a gorgeous expression of Syrah from The Rocks District and showcases the distinctive characteristics of this exciting location. The wine opens with classic aromas of savory roasted meats, blackberry, red plum, green olive, cocoa nibs, and cracked pepper, with subtle notes of orange blossom. On the palate, the wine delivers rich flavors and hedonistic qualities. Layers of perfectly ripe fruit intertwine on a supple framework of tannin that gives structure, along with a foundation for aging this masterpiece. Drink 2023-2038.
96 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
95 Points – Owen Bargreen
94 Points – Wine & Spirits
93 Points – James Suckling
92 Points – International Wine Report
Double Gold – Seattle Wine Awards
THE FUNK Estate Syrah
A History of Excellence
2018
96 Points | Owen Bargreen
95 Points | Robert Parker
94 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
92 Points | Wine Enthusiast
92 Points | Wine & Spirits
Year’s Best Syrahs | Wine & Spirits
2017
95 Points | Owen Bargreen
93 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points | Wine Spectator
93 Points | Wine Enthusiast
2016
96 Points | International Wine Report/Washington Wine Blog
95 Points | Wine Enthusiast
94 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points | Wine & Spirits
One of the Year’s Best Syrahs | Wine & Spirits
92 Points | Wine Spectator
91 Points | James Suckling
2015
One of the Year’s Best Syrahs | Wine & Spirits
95 POINTS | Wine Advocate
94 POINTS | Wine Spectator
94 POINTS | International Wine Report
92 POINTS | Wine Enthusiast
91 POINTS | Wine & Spirits
2014
94 POINTS | Wine Enthusiast
94 POINTS | Wine Spectator
2013
94 POINTS | Wine Enthusiast
94 POINTS | Wine Spectator
2012
93 POINTS | Wine Enthusiast
2011
91 POINTS | Wine Enthusiast