Union Gap Vineyard Syrah
⏳ Drinking Window
2024 - 2032
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted lamb chops, grilled ribeye steak, wild mushroom risotto
✨ Technical Specifications
The Union Gap Vineyard Syrah is a profound expression of Owen Roe's estate vineyard, situated at the narrowest point of the Yakima Valley where the river cuts through ancient basalt ridges. This unique geological formation creates a steep, south-facing amphitheater of gravelly, basalt-rich soils and river cobbles. The vines struggle in these well-drained soils, yielding small, concentrated berries. Winemaker David O'Reilly utilizes small-batch fermentation and careful French oak aging to craft a Syrah that echoes the classic profile of the Northern Rhône. It is celebrated for its complex aromatic profile of dark bramble fruits, cracked black pepper, smoked meats, and a distinct, stony minerality that reflects its rugged volcanic terroir.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1999 by winemaker David O'Reilly and Jerry McNally, Owen Roe was established with a mission to craft world-class, terroir-driven wines from the premier vineyard sites of the Pacific Northwest. Named in honor of the 17th-century Irish patriot Owen Roe O'Neill, the winery operates estate facilities and sources fruit spanning both Washington's Columbia and Yakima Valleys and Oregon's Willamette Valley. Owen Roe champions a low-intervention winemaking philosophy, utilizing gentle handling and thoughtful oak integration to articulate the distinctive character of esteemed vineyards such as DuBrul, Red Willow, and Union Gap. The producer is widely celebrated for its nuanced single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc, alongside popular and characterful blends like Sinister Hand, Ex Umbris, and Abbot's Table.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Syrah