2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
94
2020 Signature Syrah
The 2020 ‘Signature’ Syrah is a seriously good effort out of the Yakima Valley. The nose is seriously good with blood orange and iodine alongside sagebrush and shades of creme de violette. The palate is fleshy and big with bright underlying acidity. Very smoky and savory with great concentration, this is fantastic wine to enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028
OWEN BARGREEN | MAY 2023 | OWENBARGREEN.COM
90
2020 Signature Syrah
The 2020 Syrah Signature (which includes 1% Viognier) offers a beautiful nose of ripe blackberries, blueberries, smoked herbs, violets, and gamey, leathery nuances. Medium-bodied on the palate and nicely balanced, it has good mid-palate density, solid balance, and some chalky tannins on the finish. There’s a touch of smoke influence here, but the wine is nicely balanced and clearly offers pleasure.
Jeb Dunnuck | Jun 2023 | jebdunnuck.COM
92
2020 Signature Syrah
Made with 1% Viognier, the 2020 Syrah Signature is savory with classic aromas of dark berries, hung meat and sausages before mineral-dusted flowers waft on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, the wine continues to grow in amplitude, offering layers of clean, expressive and focused dark fruit, savory herbs and a mineral core. It ends with a fine, spicy, mineral-laced finish that makes me crave food. Just under 9,000 bottles were filled from Syrah that was barrel aged for 20 months in French oak, 33% new. Bravo!
Anthony Mueller | May 2023 | ROBERT PARKER WINE ADVOCATE
93
2020 Signature Syrah
A sleek and savory syrah with aromas of black cherries, blackberries, licorice, grilled herbs and black olives. It’s full-bodied with silky tannins and a caressing core of dark fruit. Delicious spice and saline undertones, with persistency. 99% syrah and 1% viognier, co-fermented. Drink or hold.
James Suckling | MAY 2023 | Jamessuckling.com
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
93
2019 Signature Syrah
The 2019 ‘Signature’ Syrah is a bold and decadent wine made from this somewhat cooler vintage. Once on the nose this takes on smoke and bacon fat tones alongside huckleberry and milk chocolate tones on this gorgeous nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with great acidity and mouthfeel. Layers of rich dark fruits collide with minerals, smoked brisket and scorched earth tones. This is delicious now and will continue to evolve for another decade. Drink 2021-2031
OWEN BARGREEN | APR 2021 | OWENBARGREEN.COM
93
2019 Signature Syrah
Structured yet graceful, with inviting black raspberry, grilled anise and black pepper flavors that build richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2030. 700 cases made.
Tim Fish | SEP 2022 | Wine Spectator
91
2019 Signature Syrah
Made with 2% Viognier, the 2019 Syrah Signature starts with a dense and rocky core of dark red and juicy black fruits that sway with aromas of freshly cracked peppercorns and red flowers. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals a textural mouthfeel with elements of bitter dark chocolate, smoked lavender and blackberry skin before gliding to a food-friendly finish with slightly elevated alcohol. Give it a try.
Anthony Mueller | May 2023 | ROBERT PARKER WINE ADVOCATE
93
2019 Signature Syrah
Aromas of ripe red cherry, rosemary and dried rose. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Sleek and supple with ripe dark fruit and subtle, ground baking spice. There is a lovely floral character to the palate as well. Dry finish. Drink now.
James Suckling | APR 2022 | Jamessuckling.com
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
94
2018 Signature Syrah
Dark and brooding yet retains a sense of focus and style, with wild berry, licorice, bitter chocolate and grilled herb flavors that finish with broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2023 through 2031.
Tim Fish | Jun 2022 | Wine Spectator
92
2018 Signature Syrah
Smoke and violet scents give this cool syrah a savory feel. It’s briny and concentrated, with a pleasing herbal tinge and fine, youthful tannins.
Patrick J. Comiskey | Dec 2021 | WINE & SPIRITS
94
2018 Signature Syrah
The beautiful 2018 Syrah Signature includes a touch of Viognier (2%). It’s very fresh and somewhat hedonistic with its massive dark fruit profile, and layers of dark chocolate shavings, black tea and exotic spices all add to the intrigue. This has the stuffing and finesse to last at least another decade.
Owen Bargreen | Mar 2022 | VINOUS
92
2018 Signature Syrah
Blue fruit aromas erupt from the glass, followed by notes of huckleberry, spice, coffee and herb. It saturates the palate, covering it from end to end with blue and purple fruit flavors that sail on the finish. It has a big-time yum factor, nearly irresistible, with fruit and barrel both playing big parts in the show. Editors’ Choice
Sean P. Sullivan | Oct 2021 | WINE ENTHUSIAST
94
2018 Signature Syrah
A full-bodied, velvety red with blackcurrants, blueberries, dried violets, lavender, crushed peppercorns, charcoal and wet earth on the nose. Sleek, seamless tannins accompany a supple and creamy core of dark fruit and flowers. Seductive.
James Suckling | Jul 2021 | Jamessuckling.com
93
2018 Signature Syrah
Including 2% Viognier, the 2018 Syrah Signature offers a vivid purple hue to go with rock star notes of cassis and blackberry fruits intermixed with smoked earth, graphite, peppered game, and background oak. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully balanced, it has enough background oak (and a kiss of char) to warrant 2-3 years of bottle age, and it should easily keep for a decade. I love its purity of this classic Syrah.
JEB DUNNUCK | May 2021 | JEBDUNNUCK.COM
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
91
2017 Signature Syrah
Ciel du Cheval fruit makes up 71% of this wine, with the rest from StoneTree. Aromas of coffee, lavender, earth and assorted dried herbs are followed by a sleek but flavorful palate that shows the acidity of the vintage. Drink now.
Sean P. Sullivan | Dec 2020 | WINE ENTHUSIAST
93
2017 Signature Syrah
Bright, saturated medium ruby. Inky blackberry, cassis, violet and black olive on the nose. Wonderfully smooth and mouthfilling, with black fruit, violet and bitter chocolate flavors offering superb concentration and sexy sweetness. Here, too, the tannins are serious but utterly suave, and the finishing flavors of dark berries and violet build inexorably. This savory, brisk, clearly delineated Syrah should evolve gracefully in the cellar. Not a gamey style but primary, dense and built to age, finishing with palate-saturating tannins. Plusher in its youth than the more tightly wound 2016, this will give more early pleasure. (aged for 20 months in 35% new oak)
Stephen Tanzer | Dec 2020 | VINOUS
91+
2017 Signature Syrah
A blend of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier, the 2017 Syrah Signature displays a dark ruby core with a purple rim and offers aromas of blackberry jus with hints of smoke and black pepper, followed by baked earth and dried violets. Medium to full-bodied, the wine unfolds across the mid-palate to reveal flavors of black raspberry, black tea and bitter dark chocolate and shows youthful tannins that will lend longevity. It ends with a sensation of black cherry skin on the lingering finish. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged for 20 months in French oak, one-third of which was first fill. It certainly checks all the boxes. Nice wine. 8,900 bottles made.
Anthony Mueller | OCT 2020 | Wine Advocate
93
2017 Signature Syrah
Harmonious and richly detailed, with expressive raspberry, toasty, espresso and cracked pepper flavors that take on elegance and structure on the finish. Drink now through 2028. 735 cases made.
Tim FIsh | NOV 2020 | WINE SPECTATOR
92
2017 SIGNATURE SYRAH
While not at the level of the 2016, the 2017 Syrah Signature is nevertheless a beautiful effort, and readers looking to see what top grade Syrah from Washington tastes like should give it a whirl. Deep purple-colored with complex notes of blue fruits, lavender, and ground pepper, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a wonderfully balanced mouthfeel, good concentration and the elegance and purity to evolve for 10-12 years.
JEB DUNNUCK | APR 2020 | JEBDUNNUCK.COM
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
91
2016 Signature Syrah
The 2016 Syrah Signature, with 2% Viognier blended in, has a nose of resinous purple flowers and dense blackberry purée, with a concentration of spice and fruit. Full-bodied, the palate is rich and full of generous mineral tones that persist onto the lingering yet tight and spicy finish. This is a delicious bottle of wine. Only 350 cases were made.
Anthony Mueller | DEC 2019 | 246, THE WINE ADVOCATE
91
2016 Signature Syrah
The aromas aren’t ready to reveal their charms out of the gate, with teasing notes of blueberry, herb, orange peel and smoked meat. Pure, rich, dense fruit flavors coat the palate, gliding on the long finish. It shows the warmth of the vintage but delivers.
SEAN P. SULLIVAN | Oct 2019 | WINE ENTHUSIAST
93
2016 Signature Syrah
Bright, medium ruby-red. Aromas of crushed blackberry, violet and red licorice. At once suave and penetrating, with its savory flavors of black raspberry and spices delivering terrific mid-palate energy and lift. Fine-grained but not quite silky owing to its sheer verve, but then this Syrah still needs a year or two of additional cellaring. Just a hint of black pepper here but little in the way of varietal gaminess–and no easy sweetness. The tactile, slowly rising finish features a fine dusting of ripe tannins.
STEPHEN TANZER | oct 2019 | VINOUS.COM
94
2016 Signature Syrah
Polished and refined, with expressive and layered raspberry, cracked pepper and espresso flavors that take on richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2026. 300 cases made.
Tim Fish | Aug 2019 | Wine Spectator
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
94
2015 Signature Syrah
Polished and gracefully complex, with refined blackberry, espresso and smoked pepper flavors that glide along toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2025. 700 cases made.
Tim Fish | Jun 2018 | Wine Spectator
93
2015 Signature Syrah
Bright medium ruby. Sexy aromas and flavors of blackberry, blueberry, crushed stone and violet. Doesn’t offer quite the detail of the superlative 2014 model but delivers a lovely combination of sweetness and salinity. This tactile, suave wine finishes with perfectly integrated tannins and noteworthy freshness. Boasts serious spine but there’s nothing dry or austere about this young Syrah. (14.4% alcohol)
STEPHEN TANZER | JUL 2018 | VINOUS.COM
92
2015 Signature Syrah
This starts off all mocha and coffee grounds, somewhat blunt and turned in on itself. But with air, it lights up like a hearth, with the meatiness of air-dried beef lending savor to a core of plum and tobacco flavor, and acid-driven focus. For lamb chops. (700 cases)
OCT 2018 | Wine & SPIRITS
91
2015 Signature Syrah
The 2015 Signature Syrah (which includes 2% Viognier) comes from Ciel du Cheval, Grand Ciel, and Boushey Vineyards and was completely destemmed and aged in 20% new French oak. It’s another Rhône look alike and offers classic notes of blackberries, black olives, bacon fat, and peppery herbs. It’s medium-bodied, fresh, nicely concentrated, and balanced, with present, yet ripe, tannin. It will keep for a decade.
JEB DUNNUCK | APR 2018 | JEBDUNNUCK.COM
91
2015 Signature Syrah
This wine’s raspberry, cherry, herb, orange peel, coffee, smoke and spice aromas are understated. The flavors showing a very pretty sense of styling.
Sean P. Sullivan | sep 2018 | Wine Enthusiast
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
94
2014 Signature Syrah
(from Ciel du Cheval and Boushey vineyards; vinified with 100% destemmed fruit and aged in 25% new oak): Bright medium ruby. Very ripe aromas of raspberry, violet and game, plus a touch of lead pencil that probably comes from Ciel du Cheval. A plush, generous blueberry and raspberry fruit bomb, perfectly energized by harmonious acidity and high notes of flowers and blood orange. A wonderfully silky, sophisticated Syrah with terrific fruit preservation. Finishes savory and very long, with utterly seamless but firm tannins and uncanny vibrancy.
STEPHEN TANZER | JUL 2017 | VINOUS.COM
92
2014 Signature Syrah
Readers looking for a good introduction into the Rhône-styled wines from this estate should purchase a bottle of the 2014 Syrah Signature. Incorporating 2% Viognier, it offers classic Washington State characteristics of black and blue fruits, lavender, pepper and violets in a medium to full-bodied, sweetly fruited and elegant yet pleasure-bent style that’s always a joy to drink. I like it today, but it will keep nicely through 2024.
JEB DUNNUCK | JUN 2017 | 231, THE WINE ADVOCATE
91
2014 Signature Syrah
Aromas of dark fruit and wood spice lead to cranberry and cherry flavors. It shows a sense of poise.
SEAN P. SULLIVAN | Jun 2017 | WINE ENTHUSIAST
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
92
2013 Signature Syrah
The 2013 Doyenne Syrah Signature is a beauty. Ripe, layered and nicely concentrated, with lots of black cherry and black berry fruits, smoke, peppery herbs and olives, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, polished tannin and a clean, lengthy, elegant finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s beautiful today, but should be at its best from 2018-2025.
JEB DUNNUCK | JUN 2016 | 225, THE WINE ADVOCATE
92
2013 Signature Syrah
(Upchurch did not vinify this wine with whole clusters in 2013, noting that the stems were riper in both 2015 and 2011): Bright medium ruby. Aromas of spiced plum and wild herbs showed a livelier note of raspberry with air. Suave and seamless on the palate, offering sexy, slightly high-toned flavors of raspberry and more exotic red apricot (from the Viognier?), plus a note of pastry dough. Boasts compelling sweetness and fine-grained texture. Finishes ripely tannic, smooth and long.
Stephen Tanzer | Jul 2016 | Vinous.com
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
93
2012 Signature Syrah
The ruby/purple colored 2012 Doyenne Syrah Signature is a classic Washington State Syrah that does everything right. Giving up vivid notes of salted blackberries, fresh plum, violets and spice, this balanced 2012 has full-bodied richness, nicely integrated acidity and a clean, nicely focused finish. More fresh and lively than the Grand Ciel release, it still has rock-solid concentration and fantastic purity of fruit. Give it another year in bottle and drink it through 2027.
JEB DUNNUCK | Jun 2015 | 219, The Wine Advocate
92
2012 Signature Syrah
(includes some from Grand Ciel, Ciel du Cheval and Boushey vineyards, 2% co-fermented VViognier; 25% new oak; vinified without whole clusters in 2012): Bright medium ruby. Very ripe aromas of cherry, mocha and wild herbs are lifted by high notes of clove and spearmint oil. Saline and classically dry, offering a lovely refined texture to its flavors of raspberry, fresh herbs and dark chocolate. Finishes savory and persistent, with serious building tannins. This very suave Syrah has the balance to age.
STEPHEN TANZER | JUL 2015 | VINOUS.COM
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
93
2011 Signature Syrah
A smoking Syrah, the 2011 Doyenne Signature Syrah (which was co-fermented with 2% Viognier) possesses a pure, incredibly elegant style to go with notions of creme de cassis, blackberry, licorice, liquid flowers and hints of wild herbs. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, balanced and integrated, it can be enjoyed anytime over the coming decade.
JEB DUNNUCK | JUN 2014 | 213, THE WINE ADVOCATE
91+
2011 Signature Syrah
(includes 2% Viognier): Bright, deep ruby. Tight, high-pitched aromas of blueberry, blackberry, licorice and black pepper. Extremely youthful and tightly wound, with brisk acidity keeping the intense black fruit, violet and pepper flavors under wraps today. Finishes with excellent length and lift but this will require patience. This wine did not include any Boushey Syrah due to the cool year.
STEPHEN TANZER | DEC 2014 | VINOUS.COM
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
2010 Signature Syrah
Also outstanding, with a deep, black fruit-driven core , the 2010 Doyenne Signature Syrah is 97.5% Syrah and 2.5% Viognier that saw roughly 30% new French oak. Smokey, meaty and peppery, with plenty of underbrush, violets, chocolate and Asian spice emerging with air, this full-bodied Syrah has superb purity of fruit, a lush, seamless texture and plenty of focus and length on the finish. Drink it over the coming decade. Drink now-2023.
Jeb Dunnuck | Jun 2013 | 207, The Wine Advocate
91
2010 Signature Syrah
(14.8% alcohol; includes 2.5% viognier): Aromas of cranberry, blackberry, pepper and fennel, along with a floral element. Creamy red fruit flavors are nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Very sexy fruit-driven syrah with sweet tannins and excellent length. Winemaker Chris Upchurch noted that following the investment in DeLille Cellars by Bacchus Capital, production here is expected to rise in a series of increments from the current 12,000 cases-per-year level.
Stephen Tanzer | Nov 2013 | Vinous.com
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
91
2009 Signature Syrah
Originating in Grand Ciel and Boushey vineyards and co-fermented with a dollop of Viognier from Ciel du Cheval, the 2009 Doyenne Syrah Signature delivers complex scents of black tea, violet, cherry, raspberry, lavender, and grilled red meats, a cast which reappears in a delightfully rich, polished palate performance that utterly belies the wine’s 15% alcohol. (Asked if he watered the must even to achieve that, Upchurch replied “If I was going to water, believe me I wouldn’t stop at 15%!”) The carnality as well as a subtle salinity serves for strong saliva inducement in a handsomely long and interactive finish. I suspect that this will be worth following for the better part of a decade.
DAVID SCHILDKNECHT | DEC 2012 | 204, THE WINE ADVOCATE
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
92
2008 Signature Syrah
The 2008 DeLille Cellars Syrah Doyenne Signature is a blend of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier that comes mostly from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, but has 30% coming from Dick Boushey’s Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. It’s an outstanding Washington State Syrah and shows classic black and blue fruits, smoked game, wild herbs, lavender, and mineral qualities to go with a full-bodied, round, supple texture, solid concentration, good acidity, and excellent focus on the finish. Delicious and already approachable, this will shine for 8-10 years.
Jeb Dunnuck | JUN 2012 | Jeb Dunnuck.com
92
2008 Signature Syrah
(includes a bit of viognier for its floral contribution): Full bright ruby-red. Exotic hints of orange blossom and peach perk up the red berry aromas. Very sweet and pure, with lively acidity framing and intensifying the plush raspberry and strawberry flavors. This fruit bomb of a syrah finishes broad and perfumed, with lovely violet and rose petal lift, superb length and a fine dusting of tannins. Barely suggests its 15% alcohol.
STEPHEN TANZER | NOV 2011 | VINOUS.COM
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
93
2007 Signature Syrah
(with 2% viognier; aged in 20% new oak) Bright medium ruby. Varietally expressive nose combines crushed dark berries, flowers, smoke and flint. Then almost shockingly fruit-driven on the palate, with a creamy lushness to the concentrated raspberry and cherry flavors and lovely floral lift. Sexy oak sweetens but does not overwhelm the wine’s fruit. Finishes impressively broad, with very sweet, suave tannins. This is a compelling drink already, but I’d predict that a couple years in bottle will bring a broader spectrum of varietal elements.
STEPHEN TANZER | NOV 2010 | VINOUS.COM
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
90+
2005 Signature Syrah
(with 3% viognier) Medium ruby-red. Black fruit aromas complicated by nuances of pepper, flowers and black olive. Sweet, sexy and fleshy, with the floral element joined by a note of apricot (from the viognier?). This concentrated syrah offers very good lift and thrust, finishing with nicely ripe tannins and noteworthy persistence. Expressive already but built to reward cellaring.
STEPHEN TANZER | NOV 2008 | VINOUS.COM
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
91
2004 Signature Syrah
(includes 30% co-fermented viognier; only 20% new oak was used here) Good red-ruby. Aromatic, slightly high-toned nose offers raspberry, violet, nutty oak and a hint of game. Juicy, lively and perfumed in the mouth, with pomegranate, floral and spice elements giving the wine excellent life. Finishes juicy and persistent, with sweet, fine-grained tannins. A lot more vibrant than the average Washington State syrah, and a worthy successor to the excellent 2003.
STEPHEN TANZER | NOV 2007 | VINOUS.COM
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
90
2003 Signature Syrah
(includes 20% co-fermented viognier) Bright ruby-red. Fascinating wild nose melds blackberry, pomegranate, white pepper, minerals, flowers and subtle spices. Firm but pliant in the mouth, with very bright, fruit-driven flavors of blueberry and blackberry. Finishes lively, firm and very long. Perhaps the mostly varietally accurate syrah to date from this winery.