K Vintners Cattle King Syrah 2020

Located at the base of the Blue Mountains in Walla Walla Washington, K Vintners opened its doors to the public on December 3rd, 2001. The property at 820 Mill Creek Road where the winery sits was homesteaded in 1853 with the adjacent farmhouse built in 1872.

This one rides the range with notes of grilled meat, dried herbs, wild sarsaparilla, white pepper and a whisper of menthol. Dusty, taunting and moody. Baked rock, earthy licorice, black cherry compote, with a lightness of being. Lively, dense and enticing. It goes the distance.

96 Points – James Suckling

This shows earthy character, together with purple fruit, violets, anisette, crushed rosemary and cured meat. Full and chewy with firm and tight tannins that last for minutes. A deep core of dark fruit underneath and a velvety, chocolatey finish.

95+ Points – Vinous

The 2020 Syrah Cattle King is spicy and floral in the glass, with masses of crushed violets and black raspberry offset by smoky sage, rosemary and cocoa. This flows across the palate with a wave of ripe red and blue-toned berries offset by brisk acidity and a hint of sour citrus, adding contrast toward the close. It tapers off with a black hole of structure, seeming to fold in upon itself while tugging at the cheeks, as purple-toned inner florals and salted licorice resonate throughout. Wow.

95 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Dense, dark and brooding, the 2020 Syrah Cattle King is firmly layered with dusty notions of spicy blackberry skin and resinous purple flowers with hints of savory herbs. Full-bodied, fresh and food-friendly, the wine features a delightful tart black cherry note across the palate with succulent acidity and fine-grained tannins that will either need time in bottle or food in youth.

94+ Points – Jeb Dunnuck

The 2020 Syrah Cattle King is another firm, focused, almost austere 2020 that has terrific dark fruits, some iron and some earthy, mineral nuances, medium to full body, ripe yet building tannins, and outstanding length.