2006 Ross Andrew Winery Syrah Boushey Vineyards – $28 @ McCarthy & Schiering

Rating: 4

I tasted this at a Saturday McCarthy & Schiering tasting and was intrigued enough to buy a bottle. Boushey Vineyards is a top-notch Washington site, and their Syrah grapes are highly sought-after. Serious Washington producers like Betz (his La Serenne is 100% Boushey fruit) and McCrea make Boushey Syrahs. Usually the price points on Boushey designates edge into wallet-burning territory, so I was certainly struck by Ross Andrew’s $28 price point.

For me, this is an absolute buy at $28. On the nose, wonderful Syrah funk that I usually associate more with Walla Walla than with Yakima Valley. The nose brings damp earth with hints of the dark fruit to come. On the palate, a pure expression of black cherry fruit at the core, framed by hints of ferrous minerality. Really tasty juice, and I will look to get my hands on more.

If you want to learn more about the vineyard that produced this gem, Wine Peeps recently made a visit. Also, Paul Gregutt writes about Boushey Vineyards in his wonderful book, Washington Wines & Wineries: The Essential Guide. That book is an invaluable resource for learning about the people and places behind Washington wine.