Washington Syrah is a big deal, and many winemakers are making some really great examples.  The folks at Gramercy,  K Vinters, Va Piano, and Nefarious are getting great  reviews, including the Wall Street Journal.

Tonight, I enjoyed this Syrah from Willis Hall. 

I met John Bell, the owner and winemaker, at the Washington Wine Highway last spring, and enjoyed chatting with him.  He comes from a wine hobby background, having worked at Boeing, and gotten into wine through their Wine and Beermaking club.  2003 was their first commercial vintage and by the tastes of the 2004 syrah, John is making some good wines.

Willis Hall is named after two of John’s most influetial relatives, taking their middle names to form his brand.

This syrah is deep dark garnet color, spicy, and a bit heavy.