Chatter Creek Syrah Lonesome Spring Ranch

New York Times 6-15-05 says: "...another wine that impressed us with its character. Our No. 2 bottle, a 2002 Chatter Creek from Lonesome Spring Ranch in the Yakima Valley, also showed clear Rhonelike aromas and flavors. It was medium-bodied and balanced, subtle, at least, if not compelling."

From the winery: "This was vintage that produced very concentrated fruit. The wine shows this with its deep purple, hugely extracted color. Blackberry, Sage, and white pepper creep out on this somewhat shy nose, opening with time in the glass. Racy acid at the attack propels this richly extracted well-balanced classic Syrah, with black plum, blackberry, cassis, and rosemary, elements across the palate. Firm tannins hold the experience in balance without being austere. The long balanced finish hangs on until finally giving way to a silky hint of toasted nuts."

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From the winery: "Lonesome Spring Ranch Vineyard is a newer vineyard in the lower Yakima Valley, near Benton City. The vineyard soils are mostly broken basalt and caliche covered with dust. The site is warmer and harvest is earlier than most in the Yakima Valley. The fruit qualities from Lonesome Spring are quite dark and rich, without being over-ripe or high alcohol."