Syrah 2020

Founded in 1934, Château Ste. Michelle pioneered grape growing in Washington State and produces first-class wines. Château Ste. Michelle is located in the famous Columbia Valley . It is a region separated from Seattle's rainy marine climate by the Cascade Mountains . The mountains protect from rain, limiting annual precipitation. Ripe grapes are picked during the heat of the day then destemmed and fermented for 7 to 8 days. The wine was then aged in oak barrels for 16 months. This wine reveals aromas of cherry , prune , fig , leather , licorice , blackberries , blueberries , cocoa and black mushrooms . The palate is rich and velvety, enhanced by silky tannins. The finish is persistent and spicy.

Washington State Washington State is located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, immediately north of Oregon. Almost all wine production occurs in the hot, desert eastern part of Washington, although there is some viticulture in the cooler, more humid west. The Cascade Mountain Range defines the geography of the region by acting as a barrier between the two sides. The mountains create a rain shadow, effectively blocking most precipitation. Columbia Valley Columbia Valley, in the southeast corner of Washington state, is one of the largest official wine growing regions in the United States. It is centered around the Columbia River and its tributaries: the Walla Walla, Yakima and Snake rivers. The valley lies in a rain shadow caused by the Cascade Mountains, which contributes to its dry continental climate. Here, warm days are followed by cool nights, ensuring a long and regular growing season during which the grapes achieve full maturity while retaining their vital acidity.