Brittan Vineyards Estate Syrah is a distinguished wine crafted by winemaker Robert Brittan, who fell in love with Rhône varieties during his visits to the Northern Rhône Valley in the early 1980s. Captivated by the cool-climate Syrahs of Cornas and Côte-Rôtie, Brittan was inspired to explore the potential of Syrah on his rugged, exposed hillside in the McMinnville AVA. The Brittan Estate Vineyard, located 12 miles southwest of McMinnville in the foothills of the Coast Range, presents a challenging yet rewarding terroir. Originally planted in 2001, only eight of the initial 18 acres survived due to the site's tough conditions, leading to a replanting of Pinot Meunier blocks to Syrah in 2005. Today, the vineyard boasts two and a half acres of Syrah, aged for 15 months in French oak, 20% new. This wine embodies the essence of McMinnville's cool, windy climate, delivering a refined, complex profile with a rich expression of the terroir.
NOTES FROM VINOVOSS SOMMELIER
Brittan Syrah is a delightful wine that showcases the elegance and complexity of the Syrah grape.With its deep ruby color, this wine immediately captivates the eye. On the nose, it offers a bouquet of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and hints of black pepper, creating an enticing aroma.
On the palate, Brittan Syrah reveals a harmonious balance between fruit and savory notes. The flavors of blackberry and cherry continue to shine, accompanied by subtle undertones of smoked meat and dried herbs. The wine's medium to full body provides a satisfying mouthfeel, while its well-integrated tannins contribute to a smooth and velvety texture.
The finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression of dark fruit and a touch of spice. Overall, Brittan Syrah is a well-crafted wine that exemplifies the characteristics of the Syrah varietal. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty stews, or aged cheeses. Enjoy this exceptional wine and savor its intricate layers of flavor.
EXPERT RATING
4.6
DRINKING WINDOW
Now
Profile
Sweetness:
Dry
Dry
Lusciously Sweet
Alcohol:
Moderate
Non-Alcoholic
Very High
Intensity:
Pronounced
Subtle
Powerful
Body:
Bold
Light Bodied
Full Bodied
Acidity:
Vibrant
Soft
Crisp
Tannin:
Grippy
No Tannin
Grippy
GRAPES (1)
Shiraz/Syrah
ORIGINS
Winery: Brittan
Region: Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, located between Washington to the north and California to the south. It is known for its diverse landscape of forests, mountains, rivers, and high desert, and for its vibrant wine industry.
Oregon's wine industry dates back to the mid-1800s, when the first vineyards were planted in the Willamette Valley. The region was largely forgotten until the 1960s, when a group of pioneering winemakers began to experiment with Pinot Noir and other cool-climate varieties. Since then, Oregon has become one of the most important wine regions in the United States, with over 500 wineries and more than 1,000 vineyards.