2021 THE FUNK Estate Syrah
Appellation
Walla Walla Valley
The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
Vineyard
Funk Estate Vineyard, located on the apex of the alluvial fan that makes up The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, is distinguished by alluvial soils, consisting of basalt pebbles, cobbles and boulders washed from the Blue Mountains.
This very special site contains everything necessary to grow vineyard-designate wines with a strong sense of place: cobbly soils, ideal elevation, gentle sloping aspect, precision water control, meticulous canopy management, and a warm, but not too hot macroclimate.
Funk Estate Vineyard is certified LIVE and Salmon Safe. LIVE certification assures that this wine was crafted with the most advanced standards for sustainable grape growing and winemaking.
Harvest Notes
September 10 and 13
2.9 tons/acre
The 2021 vintage was remarkable, mainly due to extreme heat beginning in June, which was a surprise after a wet, cold spring. We experienced early bud break on April 2nd and shortly thereafter, had several nights of freezing temperatures which resulted in running wind machines to protect the delicate, new buds. Bloom followed a similar trajectory, arriving a bit early during the last week of May. An extreme heat dome in late June left a dramatic impact on the berry size and cluster weights for this vintage. Precise irrigation all summer long was critical! The heat finally broke in September and cooler temperatures allowed the fruit to ripen to perfection. Harvest began September 10th, and the quality was exceptional with excellent physiological ripeness. Ultimately, the light crop and small berry size resulted in inky colored wines with rich flavors, ample tannins, and exotic aromas 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
Our 2021 vintage of THE FUNK Estate Syrah is exceptional. A wine with inky color and rich concentration that speaks well of the vintage and the site. The nose reveals classic aromas from The Rocks including roasted game, soy sauce, anise, pepper, cardamom, leather, and a hint of violets. Flavors unfold gently offering layers of wild blackberries, dark marionberries, briny olives, and cocoa nibs along with a touch of Mandarin orange zest. The mouthfeel is expansive with a plush, velvety texture. A delicious wine with an opulent finish, enticing you to savor the moment long after the last sip.
Drink 2025-2040.
97 Points | Paul Gregutt
96 Points | International Wine Report
96 Points |Owen Bargreen
94 Points | James Suckling
94 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points | Sean Sullivan
92 Points | Wine Enthusiast
THE FUNK Estate Syrah
A History of Excellence
2020
97 Points | International Wine Report
95 Points | Owen Bargreen
94 Points | Sean Sullivan/Top 60 Wines of the Year
94 Points | Robert Parker Wine Advocate
93 Points/Editor’s Choice | Wine Enthusiast
93 Points | James Suckling
92 Points | Wine & Spirits
Year’s Best US Rhone Varieties | Wine & Spirits
91 Points | Vinous
2019
96 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
95 Points | Owen Bargreen
94 Points | Wine & Spirits
94 Points | Vinous
93 Points | James Suckling
92 Points | International Wine Report
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