Horsepower Vineyards : "Sur Echalas Vineyard" Syrah 2018

A powerful and precise wine

The estate

Horsepower Vineyards, a celebrated name in Walla Walla, Washington, is known for producing bold, terroir-driven wines rooted in traditional farming methods. Established by Christophe Baron, also of Cayuse Vineyards, Horsepower honors sustainable and biodynamic practices, including using horse-drawn plows to work the land. This approach highlights the vineyard’s unique character and dedication to both the land and expressive, high-quality winemaking.

The vineyard

"Sur Echalas Vineyard" sits in the distinctive cobblestone-rich soils of the Walla Walla Valley, reminiscent of the famed Rhône Valley terroirs. These rocky soils create stress on the vines, resulting in grapes of incredible concentration and depth. The cooler climate and low-yielding vines further allow the Syrah to ripen slowly, capturing a balance of intensity and elegance that makes "Sur Echalas Vineyard" Syrah distinctive and sought-after.

The case

For its "Sur Echalas Vineyard" Syrah, Horsepower meticulously selects grapes that exemplify the full potential of the 2018 vintage. This careful selection and minimal intervention in winemaking showcase the raw energy and authenticity of the vineyard. The result is a Syrah that embodies Horsepower’s philosophy of crafting wines that are as nuanced as they are powerful.

The blend

The Horsepower "Sur Echalas Vineyard" Syrah 2018 is crafted entirely from Syrah, allowing the grape and terroir to shine without distraction. This single-varietal focus creates a wine that is true to its roots, capturing the vineyard’s distinctive cobblestone soil character and the complex flavors that come from such a unique environment.

The tasting

The 2018 "Sur Echalas Vineyard" Syrah opens with intense aromas of blackberry, smoked herbs, black olive, and hints of leather and pepper. On the palate, this wine is bold and textured, with rich layers of dark fruit, savory undertones, and earthy minerality. The firm structure, balanced acidity, and silky tannins give it a long, complex finish that promises even greater depth with aging. Captivating in its youth, this Syrah will continue to evolve beautifully, revealing further complexity with time in the cellar.