Horsepower Vineyards : "The Tribe Vineyard" Syrah 2018

An intense and elegant wine from Walla Walla Valley

The estate

Horsepower Vineyards, based in Walla Walla, Washington, has earned acclaim for its dedication to traditional winemaking techniques and its powerful, terroir-driven wines. Founded by Christophe Baron of Cayuse Vineyards, Horsepower follows biodynamic farming practices, using only horse-drawn plows to work the land. This intimate approach reflects the estate’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and deep respect for the unique qualities of its vineyards, particularly "The Tribe Vineyard."

The vineyard

"The Tribe Vineyard" is planted on cobblestone-strewn soils in Walla Walla Valley, a region known for its distinctive terroir that mirrors the Rhône Valley’s rocky vineyards. These challenging soils stress the vines, resulting in grapes with remarkable concentration and complexity. The vineyard’s cooler climate, coupled with traditional head-trained vines, allows for slower ripening and greater flavor development, essential for crafting structured and expressive Syrahs.

The case

For "The Tribe Vineyard" Syrah, Horsepower selects only the most expressive fruit to capture the essence of the 2018 vintage. This meticulous selection process and careful handling preserve the wine’s purity and depth, highlighting the unique characteristics of the vineyard’s terroir. The result is a wine that combines power with finesse, a hallmark of Horsepower’s winemaking philosophy.

The blend

Horsepower’s "The Tribe Vineyard" Syrah 2018 is crafted exclusively from Syrah, showcasing the full depth of character possible from this grape in Walla Walla’s cobblestone terroir. The single-varietal composition allows for a pure expression of both varietal and place, resulting in a wine that is distinctively complex and balanced.

The tasting

The 2018 "The Tribe Vineyard" Syrah reveals intense aromas of blackberries, olives, smoked meat, and a hint of black pepper. On the palate, this Syrah is rich and layered, with bold flavors of dark fruit, earthy minerals, and savory notes that speak to the vineyard’s terroir. Firm tannins and vibrant acidity add structure, leading to a long, textured finish that evolves with each sip. With time, this wine promises to develop additional layers, making it both captivating now and ideal for cellaring.