2022 Syrah The Funk | Saviah Cellars

2022 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

October 5 and October 10, 2022

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.

Winemaker’s Notes

The 2022 vintage was a remarkable vintage with multiple extreme events. It was quite a sight to see the wind machines running with snow falling at bud break. The temperatures hovered just above freezing and we experienced no damage to the tender green buds. This was followed by an unusually cool spring, which resulted in a delay to bloom. In addition, we experienced more precipitation than normal, causing the vines to grow with vigor. Summer was hot, with multiple triple digit days. Thankfully, a miraculous October, the warmest on record, allowed us to make up for the slow start to the growing season and perfectly ripen the fruit. Mother nature sure loves a good roller coaster! Drink 2024-2040.

Fermentation

33% whole cluster and partially destemmed Syrah, co-fermented with 4% whole cluster Viognier.

Aging

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

Reviews

96 Points |Owen Bargreen:

“Another world-class release, the 2022 Saviah ‘The Funk Estate Vineyard’ Syrah comes from this slightly cooler year in The Rocks District. This edition has 4% Viognier blended in. The beautiful white florals from the Viognier are singing now as wet rock and prosciutto aromatics combine with red currants, orange peel and shades of smoked brisket. The palate is fresh and lithe with a smooth mouthfeel and generous sense of weight. A total stunner, this is amongst the finest editions of this wine from Saviah that I have tasted. Drink 2024-2034”

Additional Reviews Coming Soon!

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