N Collection 2021 Syrah Avignon

After 20 years in winemaking, Natalie started a new wine label. This new project is not like anything she or her father ever done before. Her aim, through this new label, is to search across Washington State for high-quality bulk, finished wines, which she will purchase, bottle, and offer to you all. And, she still remains firm in my family’s passion, to make these wines accessible to everyone at reasonable prices.

This wine was produced by my Chenin Blanc grower, and I was lucky enough to try his creation and fall in love with it as well. He had some extra Counoise and Cinsault grapes in the field, which he decided to blend with Syrah to create a Rhône-style blend. Thrilled with the outcome, he named it after a town in Southern France known as Avignon. He crafted a second batch from grapes of the 2021 vintage, combining them all at harvest to allow them to ferment and age together.  This blend consists of 75% Syrah, 11% Counoise, 11% Cinsault, and 3% Grenache.

Natalie’s Tasting Notes

Since this wine is 25% lighter wine varietals, you’ll get a lot more fruit characteristics in the wine than if it was just Syrah. Counoise is known for its plum and strawberry, Cinsault for its savoriness, and Grenache for florals and red berries. Here is what I taste: Purple flowers, bell pepper, and fig aromas greet your nose immediately. Upon first sip, this fruity wine begins with light plum and peppercorns, and finishes with cherries and dried herbs. Since this wine is lighter, I would recommend drinking now within the next 2-4 years. I bought only 2 barrels of this wine, which correlates to approximately 50 cases.

Food Pairing

Experience this wine as a perfect accompaniment to anything; pork, chicken, salads, or pastas, such as Ellena’s Tortellini Luncheon Salad recipe available online or in her latest cookbook.

Winemakers

Mike Conway & Natalie Conway-Barnes