Rock Garden Vineyard Syrah
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–10 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
roasted lamb chops, grilled wild game, wild mushroom risotto
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Hailing from the distinctive Rocks District of the Walla Walla Valley, the Rock Garden Vineyard Syrah is a masterclass in terroir-driven winemaking. The vineyard itself is situated on an ancient riverbed paved with smooth basalt cobblestones. These stones absorb the intense Washington sun during the day and radiate warmth back to the vines at night, forcing the roots deep into the earth. This unique environment imparts a signature savory complexity to the wine, often referred to as 'Rocks funk,' characterized by aromas of black olive tapenade, smoked meats, peat, and crushed wet stones. Winemaker Ryan Crane employs low-intervention techniques, including partial whole-cluster fermentation and aging in neutral French oak, to ensure that the wild, stony character of the vineyard remains the undisputed star of the glass. It is a compelling expression of one of America's most distinctive microclimates.
🍾 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.