2023 Syrah The Funk | Saviah Cellars

2023 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 15, 2023

Funk Estate Vineyard
4ft x 10ft spacing, 1089 vines per acre, GDC trellis
Planted in 2007
Certified LIVE and Salmon Safe

Our 2023 THE FUNK Estate Syrah showcases the magic of a near perfect growing season. A cool, late start to spring gave way to steady warmth and ideal conditions through summer and early fall. Moderate daytime temperatures and cool nights allowed slow, even ripening and ideal flavor development. As harvest unfolded we achieved balanced sugars and natural acidity, producing fruit of remarkable purity and focus. A classic, harmonious vintage for The Rocks District.

Fermentation

33% whole cluster and partially destemmed Syrah, co-fermented with 4% whole cluster Viognier.

Aging

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

Sensory Notes

The 2023 Funk Estate Syrah showcases the distinctive character of The Rocks District with powerful aromatics of roasted game, black licorice, cracked pepper, and violets. The palate is concentrated and savory, offering blackberry, marionberry, Kalamata olive, and cocoa nib with a lift of blood orange zest. Silky, refined tannins frame a long, mineral-driven finish that highlights the unmistakable basalt terroir.

Drink 2027-2043.

Reviews

96 Points – Owen Bargreen:
“The 2023 Saviah ‘The Funk Estate Vineyard’ Syrah has 4% Viognier blended in. Inky in the glass, this shows off honeysuckle, Coppa ham and suggestions of bulls blood with crushed wet rock, Umami and seaweed notes on the nose. The palate is fresh and beautifully-textured with concentrated black fruits, alongside serious tension and stony essence.”

94 Points – Eric Guido, Vinous:
“The 2023 Syrah THE FUNK is vividly fruit forward with masses of crushed blackberry and cherry complemented by hints of cola and a whiff of mint. It’s round, showcasing ripe red and black fruits, all lifted by a core of cooling acidity. It leaves the mouthwatering for more despite its youthfully tense state, as sweet tannins resonate. The 2023 is already giving pleasure yet has the potential for medium-term cellaring.”

THE FUNK Estate Syrah
A History of Excellence

2014
94 Points | Wine Enthusiast
94 Points | Wine Spectator

2013
94 Points | Wine Enthusiast
94 Points | Wine Spectator