Syrah-tastic Adventures in Walla Walla: Sipping Through some of my Favorite Syrahs

If you’re into Syrah (and who isn’t these days?), Walla Walla is where you need to be.
This little slice of wine heaven in Washington state is becoming known for Syrahs that
are bold, beautiful, and packed with personality. Let’s take a fun tour through four of my favorite Syrahs —Cayuse, Devison, Sleight of Hand, and Prospice—where Syrah is the star of the show. Along the way, we’ll get to know the winemakers who are crafting
these distinctive bottles wine.

Cayuse Vineyards: Rock On with Christophe Baron
First stop: Cayuse Vineyards. Ever heard of the Rocks District AVA? Well it’s one of the
world’s premier wine growing regions for Rhône varietals… and Syrah from here is
King! French-born Christophe Baron is the rock star behind Cayuse, quite literally. He
stumbled upon these stony soils in Walla Walla after studying viticulture in Burgundy
and making wine in Bordeaux.

Christophe planted the first modern-era commercial wine grapes in the Rocks District in 1997, people thought he was crazy, but Christophe knew he’d found something special. Cayuse, which is named after the French word cailloux meaning “stones” has become one of the most sought after wines coming from Walla Walla. His Cayuse “Cailloux Vineyard” Syrah is the stuff of legends. Imagine violet and floral bouquet with dark fruit character, wet stones,and a punch of gameyness on the palate. If you’re after a Syrah with serious attitude, this one is for you.


Devison Vintners: Precision Meets Pure Passion
Next up, we’ve got Peter Devison, the brains behind Devison Vintners. Peter grew up in
Halifax, Nova Scotia and after moving to British Columbia he decided to head to New Zealand to study Oenology and Viticulture. Peter worked around the globe before landing in Walla Walla, where he’s been turning heads with his attention to detail. The Devison “Beneath the Stones” Syrah is a perfect example of when a vineyard shines in the bottle. Picture this: dark raspberry, a touch of orange peel and a hint of tea all in one sip-with a splash of minerality that keeps it fresh and lively. It’s a Syrah that’s both powerful and elegant—like a black-tie party where everyone’s actually having fun.


Sleight of Hand Cellars: Trey Busch’s Artistic Approach
Then there’s Sleight of Hand Cellars, where Trey Busch is producing some of the most
popular wines in Walla Walla. Trey moved to Walla Walla in 2000 and worked under the late Eric Dunham of Dunham Cellars, it is here that Eric taught Trey the“art” of
winemaking. Today Trey will often work with multiple vineyards, and sometimes multiple blocks within a vineyard, to craft complex artisan wines.

Sleight of Hand’s “The Psychedelic” Syrah is a wine that you don’t want to miss.
Sourced from Stoney Vine Vineyard, this wine is perfection. The nose of citrus blossom and wet stones prepares you for the palate of roasted meat and tobacco spice. The layers of this wine all play together in perfect harmony…and harmony is what Sleight of Hand is all about: you will know what I mean when you visit their tasting room.


Prospice Wines: The Dynamic Duo of Matt & Jay
Finally, we arrive at Prospice Wines, where Matt Reilly and Jay Krutulis are making
waves with their fresh approach to Syrah. Both are graduates from the Enology &
Viticulture Program at Walla Walla Community College. Jay started his career as a
lawyer in New York before realizing that wine, not law, was his true calling and after
teaming up with Matt, a former architect who’s interest in winemaking was sparked
when he helped with harvest at Barrister Winery, they created Prospice Wines.

Together, they’re all about wines that speak to the vineyard and to the vintage. The
Prospice “Les Collines Vineyard” Syrah is their masterpiece—a wine that’s as
vibrant and complex as the duo who made it. The aromas of lush black and blue fruits
are equal on palate but there is also a hint of herbaceous greens. It’s the perfect
balance of fruit and fragrance with silky tannins and balanced acid.

Sip, Savor, Repeat: The Walla Walla Syrah Experience
So, there you have it—four incredible Walla Walla wineries where Syrah is the star.
Whether you’re a wine nerd or just someone who appreciates a good glass, these
bottles from Cayuse, Devison, Sleight of Hand, and Prospice are worth seeking out.
Each one tells a story, not just of the grapes and the land, but of the passionate people
who turned those grapes into something extraordinary. So grab a glass, pour yourself a bit of Walla Walla magic, and enjoy the adventure.

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