- 2017 Januik Syrah Ciel du Cheval Vineyard – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain (11/14/2020)
Day 1: Roasted meats, cherry, spice, blueberries, mint, charcoal and dust. Concentrated effort and flavorful. Medium to long finish. Big style wine. 91 points
Day 2: Normally I find a newer vintage Syrah will improve on day 2 but this one has not. Less pronounced fruits, spice, underbrush, charcoal and red meats. Lacks the concentration and intensity of day 1. 89 points
Day 2.5: Talk about a transformation from earlier today. Black olives, stone, dust, blueberries, white pepper, raspberries and roasted meats. This is a dead ringer for the rocks district now. Wow! 93 points
Day 3: Similar to day 2.5. Black olives, dust, funk, stones, raspberries, white pepper and roasted meats. Medium plus finish. 93 points
Recommendation: This wine has evolved more than just about any wine I have tasted this year. In your face on the pop and pour but developed a lot on day 2.5/3. Hold and drink after 2023. (93 points)