2021 Syrah The Funk | Saviah Cellars

2021 THE FUNK Estate Syrah

Appellation

Walla Walla Valley
The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater

Vineyard

Funk Estate Vineyard, located on the apex of the alluvial fan that makes up The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, is distinguished by alluvial soils, consisting of basalt pebbles, cobbles and boulders washed from the Blue Mountains.

This very special site contains everything necessary to grow vineyard-designate wines with a strong sense of place: cobbly soils, ideal elevation, gentle sloping aspect, precision water control, meticulous canopy management, and a warm, but not too hot macroclimate.

Funk Estate Vineyard is certified LIVE and Salmon Safe. LIVE certification assures that this wine was crafted with the most advanced standards for sustainable grape growing and winemaking.

Harvest Notes

September 10 and 13
2.9 tons/acre

The 2021 vintage was remarkable, mainly due to extreme heat beginning in June, which was a surprise after a wet, cold spring. We experienced early bud break on April 2nd and shortly thereafter, had several nights of freezing temperatures which resulted in running wind machines to protect the delicate, new buds. Bloom followed a similar trajectory, arriving a bit early during the last week of May. An extreme heat dome in late June left a dramatic impact on the berry size and cluster weights for this vintage. Precise irrigation all summer long was critical! The heat finally broke in September and cooler temperatures allowed the fruit to ripen to perfection. Harvest began September 10th, and the quality was exceptional with excellent physiological ripeness. Ultimately, the light crop and small berry size resulted in inky colored wines with rich flavors, ample tannins, and exotic aromas typical of Syrah grown in one of the most distinct terroirs in the world.

Fermentation

Partial whole cluster and partially destemmed Syrah, co-fermented with 4% whole cluster Viognier.

Aging

18 months in 500-liter French oak puncheons. 40% New.

Tasting Notes

Our 2021 vintage of THE FUNK Estate Syrah is exceptional. A wine with inky color and rich concentration that speaks well of the vintage and the site. The nose reveals classic aromas from The Rocks including roasted game, soy sauce, anise, pepper, cardamom, leather, and a hint of violets. Flavors unfold gently offering layers of wild blackberries, dark marionberries, briny olives, and cocoa nibs along with a touch of Mandarin orange zest. The mouthfeel is expansive with a plush, velvety texture. A delicious wine with an opulent finish, enticing you to savor the moment long after the last sip.

Drink 2025-2040.

Download Tasting Notes

THE FUNK Estate Syrah
A History of Excellence

2017
95 Points | Owen Bargreen
93 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points | Wine Spectator
93 Points | Wine Enthusiast

2014
94 POINTS | Wine Enthusiast
94 POINTS | Wine Spectator

2013
94 POINTS | Wine Enthusiast
94 POINTS | Wine Spectator

2012
93 POINTS | Wine Enthusiast

2011
91 POINTS | Wine Enthusiast