Red Willow Vineyard Syrah
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 5–15 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted lamb chops, grilled ribeye steak, wild mushroom risotto
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Kerloo Cellars' Red Willow Vineyard Syrah is a tribute to one of Washington State's most legendary and historic wine-growing sites. Located in the far western reaches of the Yakima Valley, Red Willow Vineyard was pioneered by Mike Sauer, who famously partnered with Master of Wine David Lake to plant the very first Syrah vines in Washington here in 1986. Sourced from these steep, rocky slopes with ancient, well-drained soils, Kerloo Cellars' expression of this fruit is crafted with a low-intervention philosophy. Winemaker Ryan Crane coaxes an Old World-leaning style from this historic terroir, showcasing the vineyard's signature savory complexity, marked by notes of smoked meats, black olive tapenade, dried herbs, and a distinct stony minerality, all balanced by deep, dark fruit.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 2007 by winemaker Ryan Crane in Walla Walla, Washington, Kerloo Cellars is named after the distinctive call of the near-extinct Whooping Crane. The winery is dedicated to producing low-intervention, terroir-driven wines that highlight the diverse microclimates of the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley. Sourcing fruit from esteemed sites such as Boushey, Upland, and Lonesome Spring Ranch, Kerloo focuses on crafting exceptional Rhône and Spanish-style expressions, including vibrant Syrah, Grenache, and Tempranillo, alongside crisp, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.