Va Piano Syrah Les Collines Vineyard 2014 – Intense Syrah from Walla Walla in Washington State

Va Piano Syrah Les Collines Vineyard 2014 is an impressive and accomplished red wine from the prestigious Walla Walla AVA in Washington State, USA. This is a 100% Syrah with depth, elegance and power – made from the high-altitude Les Collines Vineyard, which is considered one of the best vineyards in the area. A wine for those looking for serious American Syrah with character, structure and ageing potential.

Les Collines is one of the highest-elevation vineyards in Walla Walla and works according to the principles of “minimal input farming”. This means respect for nature, low intervention and maximum focus on the natural quality of the grapes. The result is grapes with intense concentration, great acidity and a distinctive mineral profile, which is clearly reflected in this 2014 vintage.

2014 was an excellent vintage in Washington State with a long, warm growing season. It produced perfectly ripe Syrah grapes with silky tannins and great aromatic complexity. The wine appears dark and dense in the glass with an almost inky black core and deep ruby rim.

This is an ideal wine for hearty meat dishes, grilled beef, lamb, game and stews – but also for those who want a serious glass with depth and American personality. A Syrah that combines New World fruit with an almost North Rhone structure.

Tasting notes

On the nose, you’re met with intense aromas of dark berries, black currant, blueberry and blackberry, flanked by black pepper, licorice, smoke, olive and a hint of violet. The barrel aging contributes notes of vanilla, cocoa and lightly roasted coffee.

In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied and concentrated with ripe tannins and nicely balanced acidity. The palate offers dark fruit, spices and a mineral nerve that gives length and structure. The finish is long, spicy and elegant with a lingering peppery note.

The house of Va Piano Vineyards

Located in the heart of Walla Walla, Washington State, Va Piano Vineyards was founded in 2003 by Justin Wylie – a true Walla Walla native with a backyard vineyard. Like so many passionate winemakers, he started small with winemaking in his garage. His passion quickly grew and Va Piano evolved into a recognized winery with a focus on quality and the best vineyards in the area.

The winery works with a number of outstanding vineyards in Walla Walla. The eponymous Va Piano vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Approximately 70% of the grapes are used for own production, while the rest is sold to recognized producers – including L’Ecole No. 41. Quality and terroir are at the heart of everything Va Piano does.

• Country: USA
• Region: Washington State
• Appellation: Walla Walla AVA
• Grape: 100% Syrah
• Vintage: 2014
• Barrel aging: Aged in oak barrels
• Aging potential: Suitable for cellaring
• Quantity: 75 cl
• Contains: Sulfites
• Alcohol content: 14.5%