Gramercy Cellars Lower East Syrah 2018

Gramercy Cellars is one of Washington State's most celebrated boutique wineries, founded in 2005 by Master Sommelier Greg Harrington and his wife Pam in Walla Walla — the storied appellation in the southeastern corner of the state that has become America's most exciting address for Syrah and Rhône-inspired reds. Harrington's background as a sommelier gives him an unusually refined palate for balance and food-friendliness, and his wines consistently stand out for their elegance and restraint in a region often associated with power and extraction. Gramercy farms its vineyards sustainably, with a deep respect for the land and a commitment to expressing the unique character of Washington's diverse terroir.

The 'Lower East' Syrah is named for the vineyard block from which it is sourced — a site in the Walla Walla Valley whose basalt-rich soils and cool nights produce Syrah of exceptional aromatic complexity and finesse. The 2018 vintage in Washington was warm and generous, delivering excellent ripeness while the vineyard's elevation preserved the freshness and tension that define Gramercy's house style. Deep ruby-purple in the glass, the nose is hauntingly complex: dark plum, blackberry, and smoked meat layered with violet, black pepper, olive tapenade, and a hint of iron-rich earth. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet precise, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, savory finish of remarkable persistence.

The Gramercy Cellars Lower East Syrah 2018 is exceptional alongside grilled lamb, duck confit, venison, or a slow-braised short rib — a Washington Syrah of genuine world-class ambition that rewards both the cellar and the table.