Walla Walla Valley: A Small Region Making Mighty Syrah Statements

Walla Walla Valley: A Small Region Making Mighty Syrah Statements

When you think of world-class Syrah, regions like the Northern Rhône Valley in France often come to mind. In the southeastern corner of Washington State, with a sliver extending into Oregon, there’s Walla Walla Valley. This wine region is quietly (or not so quietly anymore) making a colossal statement with this noble grape. This picturesque appellation is known for Cabernet Sauvignon. It features rolling hills and distinct soils. It proves that true vinous greatness isn’t measured by size, but by the sheer power and complexity of its wines.

However, little has been said about Washington Syrah. Hence, I want to make a statement and share the knowledge. Walla Walla Valley Syrah stands as an undisputed champion, embodying a “small but mighty” spirit.

Savory, Spicy, and Sensational: Unpacking Walla Walla Syrah

What makes Walla Walla Valley Syrah so captivating?

It’s a masterful symphony of flavors that rarely fails to impress. Unlike some fruit forward New World counterparts, Walla Walla Valley’s expressions deliver balance. You’ll often discover ripe, dark fruits. Think blackberry, plum, and black cherry. These fruits are beautifully intertwined with complex savory notes. hints of black olive, cured meat, smoky bacon fat, and cracked black pepper dancing on your palate. These savory elements are often complemented by earthy undertones. There is a touch of dried herbs, and sometimes even a floral lift of violet.

This intricate profile is what truly sets Walla Walla Valley Syrah apart. It offers a sophisticated drinking experience. This appeals to both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers. Moreover, it is still the Syrah that no one is talking about making it an incredible gem. I was surprised as I hold it in my glass longer. With every swirl and sip, new layers are revealed.

The Rocks and the Syrah: A Love Story from Walla Walla

To truly understand the distinctive character of Walla Walla Valley Syrah, one must explore the region’s unique geology. This includes the renowned The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. This small, distinct sub-appellation within the Walla Walla Valley is unlike anywhere else in the wine world. Over there, vineyards, and according to their AVA website, are full of basalt river stones, or “cobbles,” remnants of ancient floods that have created one of the most singular terroirs on the planet.

These stones absorb heat during the day and radiate it back to the vines at night, contributing to even ripening. More importantly, the well-drained, nutrient-poor soils stress the vines, forcing them to dig deep, leading to concentrated flavors in the grapes. Syrah thrives in these conditions, and wines from The Rocks District are particularly famous for their intense savory notes, often described as “umami,” “garrigue,” or even “funk.” This unique geological signature imparts a mineral backbone and a compelling textural quality that is instantly recognizable. While not all Walla Walla Valley Syrah comes from The Rocks District, its influence and the broader basalt-rich soils across the valley contribute significantly to the region’s overall Washington Syrah identity.

Beyond The Rocks, the broader Walla Walla wine region benefits from a semi-arid continental climate. 

Hot, sunny days ensure optimal ripeness, while significantly cool nights preserve vital acidity. This dramatic diurnal temperature shift is crucial for developing the complex aromatics and maintaining the freshness that define top-tier Walla Walla Syrah. The result is a wine with both power and elegance, structured to age beautifully while remaining approachable in its youth.

Many winemakers in Walla Walla have a deep passion for Syrah, often dedicating significant portions of their vineyards and winemaking efforts to showcasing its potential. Their commitment to expressing the region’s unique terroir through this grape has solidified Walla Walla’s reputation as a go-to destination for high-quality American Syrah. While comparisons to Northern Rhône Syrah are frequent and flattering, Walla Walla offers its own distinct voice – often with a touch more fruit generosity in its youth, yet retaining that crucial savory, earthy core.

When I recently had the opportunity to speak with Morgan Lee, the passionate winemaker behind Two Vintners, his dedication to Syrah in Walla Walla was immediately evident. Two Vintners, established in 2007, quickly distinguished itself by focusing on Syrah and Merlot, varietals that were often overlooked at the time but which Lee recognized as exceptional in Washington State. Their philosophy centers on creating unique and accessible wines that highlight the true potential of Washington’s diverse terroirs. Morgan’s insights highlighted a fascinating parallel: he genuinely believes the climate in Walla Walla shares remarkable similarities with the Northern Rhône Valley, particularly in the diurnal temperature shifts that are so crucial for developing complexity and preserving acidity in Syrah. This connection helps to explain the often savory, structured, and age-worthy characteristics that define Walla Walla’s mighty Syrah statements. Moreover, he has delved into developing single vineyard and single plot Syrah. That’s wine making passion at its best.

Spotlight on Walla Walla Syrah: Recent Releases

Here are some examples of the captivating Syrahs emerging from this dynamic region:

Pomum Cellars 2021 Syrah, Konnowac Estate Vineyard, Yakima Valley, Washington State

 Aromas: Dark plum, juicy blackberry, roasted coffee, chocolate.

 Flavors: Dark fruit compote, baker’s spice.

 Tasting Notes: This Washington State Syrah from Pomum Cellars’ organic-certified Konnowac Estate Vineyard presents a ripe and muscular style. The nose is inviting with notes of dark plum, juicy blackberry, roasted coffee, and chocolate. On the palate, flavors of dark fruit jam and spices like cinnamon and vanilla. A medium-body mouthfeel also offers a long finish. The low yields and warm vintage of 2021 contribute to its concentration, ensuring excellent aging potential.

Pairing Suggestions: Grilled red meats, slow-cooked lamb, venison, rich stews, dark chocolate desserts, aged hard cheeses like Gouda or cheddar.

Itä Wines 2021 Syrah, Les Collines Vineyard, Walla Walla, Washington State

Aromas: A bouquet of of red-fruit like blackberry and raspberry jam exudes.

 Flavors: This Itä Wines on the palate has surprisingly more red fruit jas, cooked raspberries and a hint of blackberries with bright acidity.

 Tasting Notes: This 2021 Syrah from Itä Wines has its origins in the LIVE Certified Sustainable Les Collines Vineyard. It is located in Walla Walla Valley, Washington State. It was crafted with a focus on bright acidity. The wine also has lower alcohol content. Hand-harvested early with 50% whole clusters and gentle punchdowns, the wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered. This is wine made with grapes in the high elevation range from 1140-1370 ft grown the Walla Walla Valley silt loam soils.

Pairing Suggestions: Roasted chicken with herbs, mushroom risotto, lentil shepherd’s pie, grilled portobello mushrooms, charcuterie with cured meats.

Gramercy Cellars 2021 Syrah “Lagniappe,” Red Willow Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington State

 Aromas: Lots of dark purple fruits, blackberry, black currant, dark cherry and, baking spices and hint of herbs.

 Flavors: Aromas are also present on the palate with fresh herbaceous notes, structured with grippy tannins.

 Tasting Notes: The 2021 “Lagniappe” Syrah from Gramercy Cellars is sourced from the historic Red Willow Vineyard in Washington State. It is a powerhouse of a wine. It is a full-bodied wine as mentioned with dark fruits and spices, and mild tannins that lead to a long finish. Despite its depth and intensity, the wine maintains an elegant balance between power and finesse. According to their website, is suitable for enjoyment from 2026 to 2041. If consumed sooner, it should be decanted for two hours. The 100% whole cluster fermentation and 21 months of aging in French oak contribute to its complexity.

Pairing Suggestions: Slow-braised beef. Consider rich game dishes like wild boar or venison stew. Try prime rib. Grilled lamb chops with rosemary are great options. Opt for aged cheeses like aged cheddar or a strong blue cheese.

Two Vintners The Waiting List 2021 Walla Walla Valley

Aromas: Blackberries and black cherries with hints of fresh herbs and violets.

Flavors: The Waiting List 2021 palate mirrors the aromatic bouquet with a great acidity and moderate tannins with a medium to long finish.

Tasting notes: While I decanted this wine for a while I will be ordering another bottle to keep on my cellar. I am sure is going to get even better in a couple of years. The aromas and flavors of blackberries and black cherries, and the lilies and violets after a many caudalies conquered me. Then the long finish and tannins are velvety truly enchanted me.

Pairing Suggestions: Grilled portobello mushrooms or steak, even carne asada.

Read more about Two Vintners here.

Walla Walla Valley may be a less sprawling wine region than some, but its impact on the world of Syrah is undeniably mighty. From the intriguing savory notes born from its unique soils to the balanced ripeness nurtured by its climate, Walla Walla Valley Syrah offers great value and age ability and I will consider it still a hidden gem. It’s a testament to the power of a specific grape thriving in a perfectly suited place, Sometimes, the most profound statements come from the most focused and dedicated corners of the wine world. Treat yourself to a couple of bottles of Washington Syrah so you can attest to this mighty region.

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