Decanted for 40 minutes with some slight sediment. The color was a deep violet. There was some initial "funk" that blew off during decantation to reveal deep aromas of dark red fruits, along with some blue and black fruits, and a touch of floral. All of these fruits showed on the medium to plus palate along with lots of spice and a dose of earth. The acidity was up to the challenge of balancing the fruit, and any tannins were fully integrated. Will probably hold for several more years.
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Family blind tasting during virus lockdown. Medium Purple with medium meniscus. Wonderful aroma of raspberry and black fruit. Flavors of bacon, fresh soil and leather mix with the luscious fruit on the palate. Reasonably long finish shows balance between the acidity, smooth tannins and 14.5% alcohol.
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Drank this to celebrate the power going out for 30 hours due to winter storm Riley. Consistent with my notes from 11/2016. This is still drinking well and has years ahead of it if stored properly. Drink now or hold.
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Hints of iron, smoked meats and cherries on the nose, this is big and broad syrah backed by gorgeous acidity, the palate shows plums, peppercorn, cherries, licorice and blueberry flavors, this drinks nicely with a decant and will cellar well, I sense some tightness, very good match with Korean bbq kal-bi
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This one received big scores from Wine Spectator (I think it was) and in my experience it lives up to the hype. Often times I see reviewers describing Syrahs as evoking red meat, iron, bulls blood, etc. however I don't get that from those wines. In this case, those characteristics are a very apt description.
The Deal 2012 has a very pleasing weight on the palette (without being too heavy) and is dark and savory, featuring the notes mentioned above. While The Deal is typically considered one of K Vintners mid-range offerings (price wise), in my experience this vintage is nearly in the same league as The Hidden or Cattle King, which are both outstanding in their own right but considerably more expensive. I'll hold my other bottle for a few years since I think this can actually get better with some more time.
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Fruit forward bouquet with pepper, herbal tea, and herbaceous notes. Intense blackberry on the attack, backed by a well-defined middle that features strong peppercorn accents, and a focused, gritty back. Great acid and judicious oak treatment (the latter in particular a rarity for K Vintner wines) this wine showcases the power and finesse of Syrah in Wahluke Slope terroir. Long and elegant finish. It should last for a decade or more. Excellent QPR!
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For the price, you can't ask for much. It drinks well right now and I don't think this is a bottle to age past 5 yrs. Not much complexity or spice as a good Syrah should have. Little overpowering not in a good way. You definitely need food with this wine.
EDIT: I tried the remaining half bottle on the second day and it really softened up well. There was a lot more fruit and oak coming out and it was very approachable. Turn of events.
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Wow, this is a real standout. Incredibly rich without being heavy or jammy. Dark savory fruits with a touch of minerality and a long savory finish. Still has significant, but very fine tannins, so I expect a good life ahead. This is special juice.
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4/9/2022 - VlgJeff wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for 40 minutes with some slight sediment. The color was a deep violet. There was some initial "funk" that blew off during decantation to reveal deep aromas of dark red fruits, along with some blue and black fruits, and a touch of floral. All of these fruits showed on the medium to plus palate along with lots of spice and a dose of earth. The acidity was up to the challenge of balancing the fruit, and any tannins were fully integrated. Will probably hold for several more years.
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8/7/2021 - Lord Rodney wrote: 90 Points
Nice wine here. Very floral nose with bacon too. The taste is a bit dry compared but good nonetheless
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4/16/2020 - caroleandjay wrote: 92 Points
Family blind tasting during virus lockdown. Medium Purple with medium meniscus. Wonderful aroma of raspberry and black fruit. Flavors of bacon, fresh soil and leather mix with the luscious fruit on the palate. Reasonably long finish shows balance between the acidity, smooth tannins and 14.5% alcohol.
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3/6/2018 - brown57 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drank this to celebrate the power going out for 30 hours due to winter storm Riley. Consistent with my notes from 11/2016. This is still drinking well and has years ahead of it if stored properly. Drink now or hold.
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2/16/2017 - whits wrote: 91 Points
Hints of iron, smoked meats and cherries on the nose, this is big and broad syrah backed by gorgeous acidity, the palate shows plums, peppercorn, cherries, licorice and blueberry flavors, this drinks nicely with a decant and will cellar well, I sense some tightness, very good match with Korean bbq kal-bi
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11/5/2016 - brown57 Likes this wine: 93 Points
This one received big scores from Wine Spectator (I think it was) and in my experience it lives up to the hype. Often times I see reviewers describing Syrahs as evoking red meat, iron, bulls blood, etc. however I don't get that from those wines. In this case, those characteristics are a very apt description.
The Deal 2012 has a very pleasing weight on the palette (without being too heavy) and is dark and savory, featuring the notes mentioned above. While The Deal is typically considered one of K Vintners mid-range offerings (price wise), in my experience this vintage is nearly in the same league as The Hidden or Cattle King, which are both outstanding in their own right but considerably more expensive. I'll hold my other bottle for a few years since I think this can actually get better with some more time.
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10/6/2016 - Motz wrote: 92 Points
Fruit forward bouquet with pepper, herbal tea, and herbaceous notes. Intense blackberry on the attack, backed by a well-defined middle that features strong peppercorn accents, and a focused, gritty back. Great acid and judicious oak treatment (the latter in particular a rarity for K Vintner wines) this wine showcases the power and finesse of Syrah in Wahluke Slope terroir. Long and elegant finish. It should last for a decade or more. Excellent QPR!
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6/12/2016 - smphelps wrote: 90 Points
Tasty, but not outstanding. Very good QPR. Silky mouthfeel, with black fruit, red meat, and olive notes.
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12/21/2015 - Keeping It Real Likes this wine: 90 Points
For the price, you can't ask for much. It drinks well right now and I don't think this is a bottle to age past 5 yrs. Not much complexity or spice as a good Syrah should have. Little overpowering not in a good way. You definitely need food with this wine.
EDIT: I tried the remaining half bottle on the second day and it really softened up well. There was a lot more fruit and oak coming out and it was very approachable. Turn of events.
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12/18/2015 - ewsds Likes this wine: 93 Points
Wow, this is a real standout. Incredibly rich without being heavy or jammy. Dark savory fruits with a touch of minerality and a long savory finish. Still has significant, but very fine tannins, so I expect a good life ahead. This is special juice.
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12/9/2015 - tim m wrote: 92 Points
Don't know what more you can ask for with a $35 Cali syrah. Drinking really nice now. Fruit forward, very fine tannin, long finish.
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11/14/2015 - Jobu wrote: 94 Points
Needed a little air, but wow what a fantastic Syrah. Dark rich fruit, spice, full bodied and smooth. My favorite of the year so far.
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