K Vintners Syrah Motor City Kitty 2012

Producer Notes: "It's like a mouthful of crush stone, roasted earth, grilled meat, thyme all in a velvet sack. Absolutely seamless and a very sophisticated drink."

Vineyards: Clifton Vineyard: "Owned and farmed by the Milbrandt family, this vineyard is a vigor limiting mix of stone strewn sand, transitioning over the first two feet of soil to deep glacially deposited gravel. These soils are extremely well-drained, allowing total control of the canopy."

Vintage: "Washington vintners were overjoyed at what they tasted after a growing season that tracked very much like 2008, one of the best vintages in memory. Depth of color and flavor in an abundant crop that retained its desired acidity seem to have put a smile on most winemakers' faces. Following several cooler vintages, 2012 allowed the vines to ripen normally. The waves of fruit came in smoothly. Fruit could hang longer without worrying about getting too ripe. The steady ripening also allowed for beautiful structure and elegance."