Evaluation:
Sight – the wine is visually clear with an intense and deep purple color at the core that yields to a thin youthful rim. The ample legs are consistent with a more viscous wine and indicative of its higher alcohol content
Smell – on the nose the wine is clean and initially a little closed, giving way to smoke, pepper, earth, dark fruit and a hint of molasses.
Taste & Touch – the combination of vibrant light fruit with heavy dark cherry and plum balances with a tobacco and peppery finish. The tannins soften for a velvety creamy mouth-feel; a completed mid-palate, not overpowered by acid, brings it all together for a long finish. The wine has the feel of a medium plus bodied wine; however, the more than 14% alcohol doesn’t dominate the palate.
Conclusions:
This wine is a great example of the well balanced Syrah fruit being produced in Washington State (most of the fruit for this vintage came from the Columbia Valley, with lesser amounts from Horse Haven Hills and Yakima). Enjoy a glass by itself or pair it with appetizers or a hearty meal; the characteristics of the wine match well with roasted and grilled meats. Ex Umbris is ready to drink now or hold through 2016; the wine benefits from aeration and decanting.
This wine is clearly no longer in the shadows, although sometimes it seems like you may have to slip into the shadows to find someone willing to part with a bottle of this amazing Syrah.
Price: $24-$30 (retail) $44-$68 (restaurant)
Other notes of interest:
Wine Spectator – 93 points and listed as No.25 on the Top 100 Wines of 2011 list.
Sight – the wine is visually clear with an intense and deep purple color at the core that yields to a thin youthful rim. The ample legs are consistent with a more viscous wine and indicative of its higher alcohol content
Smell – on the nose the wine is clean and initially a little closed, giving way to smoke, pepper, earth, dark fruit and a hint of molasses.
Taste & Touch – the combination of vibrant light fruit with heavy dark cherry and plum balances with a tobacco and peppery finish. The tannins soften for a velvety creamy mouth-feel; a completed mid-palate, not overpowered by acid, brings it all together for a long finish. The wine has the feel of a medium plus bodied wine; however, the more than 14% alcohol doesn’t dominate the palate.
Conclusions:
This wine is a great example of the well balanced Syrah fruit being produced in Washington State (most of the fruit for this vintage came from the Columbia Valley, with lesser amounts from Horse Haven Hills and Yakima). Enjoy a glass by itself or pair it with appetizers or a hearty meal; the characteristics of the wine match well with roasted and grilled meats. Ex Umbris is ready to drink now or hold through 2016; the wine benefits from aeration and decanting.
This wine is clearly no longer in the shadows, although sometimes it seems like you may have to slip into the shadows to find someone willing to part with a bottle of this amazing Syrah.
Price: $24-$30 (retail) $44-$68 (restaurant)
Other notes of interest:
Wine Spectator – 93 points and listed as No.25 on the Top 100 Wines of 2011 list.
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