2020 Syrah The Funk | Saviah Cellars

2020 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.

Located at the highest elevation of the alluvial fan that makes up The Rocks District, this vineyard is always one of the first to ripen and is highly resistant to cold weather damage.

Harvest Notes

Harvested September 11 and 14, 2020.
3.3 tons/acre.

The 2020 vintage was a relatively warm year with a lighter crop and small berries which provided excellent concentration. Bud break was a bit early, happening around the 8^th of April. Bloom followed the trend and happened the last week of May. Summer was warm with a couple of heat spikes, but normal for the Walla Walla Valley. The grapes were ready to pick in early September and the quality was excellent, once again. The wine is beautiful, deeply colored with supple tannins and a savory, perfumed aroma typical of Syrah grown in one of the most distinct terroirs in the world.

Fermentation

Partial whole cluster and partially destemmed Syrah, co-fermented with 4% whole cluster Viognier.

Aging

18 months in 500-liter French oak puncheons. 40% New.

Tasting Notes

THE FUNK Estate Syrah consistently showcases the exceptional quality we can achieve with Syrah grown in the cobbly soils of The Rocks District. The nose is unmistakable, with exotic aromas of roasted bison loin, tapenade, umami, anise, pepper, and leather. The aromas and flavors swirl together with wild brambly blackberries, Blue Mountain huckleberries, green herbs, and orange zest. The tannins are supple and contribute to the layered, rich mouthfeel. After one sip, this singular, expressive wine will transport you to a special place we simply call The Rocks.

Drink 2024-2039.

92 PoInts/Year’s Best US Rhone Varieties – Wine & Spirits

“This 2020 is a dark, explosive thing, powerfully aromatic with notes of molasses, black fig, olive and smoke. Despite a heavy richness to the palate, it has just enough layering and exotic flavor to carry the weight, with the energy for ribs.” – Patrick Comiskey, Wine & Spirits

Download Tasting Notes

THE FUNK Estate Syrah
A History of Excellence

2019
95 Points | Owen Bargreen
94 Points | Wine & Spirits
93 Points | James Suckling
92 Points | International Wine Report

2017
95 Points | Owen Bargreen
93 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points | Wine Spectator
93 Points | Wine Enthusiast

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